Issue 1459

How medical cannabis can help students...

Understanding your love language

Relationships | page 15

‘Poetry in the North’ celebrate their first

anniversary

Inside the tents: Freedom of Information request reveals University response to encampment

Marcus Williamson - News Sub-Editor

Four months on since dismantling, The Courier reflects on interactions between the university and the encampment

The Courier submitted a Freedom of Information Request regarding the encampment present on campus at the end of last year. Here we present the key takeaways.

Newcastle University received 7 complaints regarding the Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus encampment present on campus last year, confirms a Freedom of Information request (FOI).

In a document released to The Courier containing minutes from an emergency management group (EMT)comprised of staff from both University and the Students Union- confirmed 4 anonymous complaints were received regarding language used on the camp.

The encampment, which was located outside Northern Stage, was set up on May 1 2024. The Courier reported on the demands of the Encampment and the response that it garnered in the early stages, notably those of the University and the President of the Jewish Society.

"Newcastle University received 7 complaints regarding the Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus encampment”

When announcing the presence of the encampment, Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus referenced Newcastle University’s alleged ties to Leonardo S.p.A and declared their ‘solidarity with the people of Palestine and other students across the world who are rising up in solidarity with Gaza.’ However, as stated by one protestor, ‘the encampment was not the start of the student movement for Palestine’. Last year saw a rally specifically challenging the University’s alleged ties

to Leonardo S.p.A. after the company moved into the Newcastle Helix cluster creating a partnership involving Newcastle University.

The University stated ‘we have not invested in Leonardo as we do not invest in companies making armaments.

As a university, we are committed to embedding environmental, social and governance criteria within our investment approach in accordance with our sustainability commitments’.

When questioned about remaining within a university who’s actions they disagree with, a protestor stated: ‘whilst I did contemplate leaving the University, and many of us did, I think that with our work, we have made them lose more money than they would with us just leaving.’

The protestor revealed they submitted an FOI request to the university to obtain figures on how much the encampment cost the university, however they are yet to receive an accurate figure.

The protestor went on to state that they believe that they will take out more than they have put in in terms of finances, by the time their studies conclude.

The response to the FOI request sent by The Courier also stated that there have been no disciplinary actions taken against students related to the encampment alone.

In response, a protester told The Courier a student’s ban from campus and disciplinaries given to 3 students, who were allegedly involved in the encampment, are believed to be rescinded.

Minutes released in FOI request response also stated that ‘disciplinary proceedings may be beginning for criminal damage’ after the Anthony Gormley statue, CLASP, was found with chalk marks. The statue is located between the encampment outside northern stage and the main entrance of the student union building.

This type of behaviour was labelled ‘decorating’ by protestors, and was recorded during the time the encampment was present on campus.

The continued presence of the encampment and their activity led to the University seeking to mediate. The minutes also confirmed attempts to set up meetings between the University and the protestors.

An external mediator, ADR, was recommended by the Students’ Union to help in these discussions.

The university also discussed, or considered seeking help from, multiple Think Tanks and external organisations. These included the Higher Education Policy Institute, a higher education think tank, and The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies.

This is not the first time that students have used continued presence on campus as a method of protest. As far back as 1972, reports of threats of sit-ins in the Civic Centre by students forced the Council into negotiations over the ‘multi-occupation’ issue.

More recently, in 2010, a group of students occupied the Fine Art’s building to protest changes to university funding made by the government.

The Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus encampment officially ended on 19 July, as after eighty-two days the protestors announced that they were decamping. They cited the emotional welfare of those involved as a reason for decamping. One protestor telling The Courier, ‘when you’re at the encampment, and you’re there day and night, you’re constantly grieving’. Also cited was pressure from the University, as they wished to regain the space on which the encampment was held.

Another protestor told The Courier that the preservation of leverage was also considered during the closure of the encampment. They felt that

decamping allowed the protestors to maintain pressure on the University, ‘via the spectre of future action’. Those involved in the encampment have remained active on campus. During Fresher’s Week they publicly criticised members of the Executive Board during a rally outside the Arches. They later organised a march through campus on the anniversary of 7 October, where they mourned those who have lost their lives in the violence in the Middle East.

Most recently, the group staged a ‘study-in’ and rally outside the Hatton Gallery after the travelling ‘All Shall be Afforded Dignity’ exhibit came to the Ex-Libris Gallery on campus.

Happy brand new paper day! As the year goes into full swing, I hope you are enjoying your time up in Newcastle. This issue comes at the start of reading week - a week that is useful for much needed respite. Whether you are using this week to stay up in Newcastle and catch-up on work, or going home to catch-up on sleep, enjoy your break!

This issue has been an enjoyable one, and the editorial team are becoming even more pro with InDesign. You may (or may not) have noticed that we have expanded this edition by a whole four pages.

A 36 page newspaper is no small task to produce in two weeks, but we have done it in style. The editorial team welcomed Halloween with a trip to Dog and

Article Highlights:

Current Affairs | Campus Comment

Newcastle Uni's ban on Geordie slang

It is thoughtful or thoughtless? | Page 6

Life & Style | Relationships

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

The single girl perspective | Page 14

Life & Style | Travel

Solo travelling as a woman

How do safety concerns shape our experiences? | Page 20

Culture | Music

Blossoms Live at O2 City Hall

The Stockport band grace Newcastle with their indie tunes | Page 26

Sports |

Is 2024 the year Red Bull lose their wings?

Anyway, NSR is continuing to excel with our wonderfully packed schedule now being streamed on the top floor of the SU. The range of shows that we have managed to cultivate is impressive. NUTV now happily have their exec team, and I am really excited for the training to begin for our coverage of Fight Night - a night that is always full of laughs.

We have also been welcoming an impressive amount of new writers to the team, making sure we really are getting the student voice heard on campus. That's all for me, see you next issue!

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all.

Freshers’

Editor

Lucy Bower

MediaOfficer.Union@newcastle.ac.uk

Current Affairs

Senior editors: Grace Boyle

G.Boyle3@newcastle.ac.uk

Anna Nix

A.Nix2@newcastle.ac.uk

News

Marcus Williamson

Oscar Jenkins

Safia Adia

Campus

Comment

Amala Parry

Jess Mooney

Scarlet Davies

Opinion

Addie Dodson

Amelie Baker

Margaux Martinez

Science

Charlotte Atkinson

Matthew Barratt

Sport

Senior editor: Adam Tibke

A.S.Tibke2@newcastle.ac.uk

f you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)! You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer. Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out!

THE COURIER SECTIONS

Deputy Editor

Libby Griffiths

L.Griffiths9@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Poppy Bedford

P.Bedford2@newcastle.ac.uk

Life & Style

Senior editors: Marina Snyder

M.Snyder2@newcastle.ac.uk

Charlotte Burley-Hnat

C.Burley-Hnat2@newcastle.ac.uk

Relationships

Jess Hughes

Rosie McKenna

What is happening in the world of Red Bull | Page 35 Our Next Article SMA: 13th November 1.30pm Bambugh Room, NUSU

NSR & NSR

Updates from your Station Managers| Page 23

Adam Symes

Dylan Seymour

Megan Grimston

Noelia Fernandez

Perez

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Abi Ogden

Lifestyle

Ruby Tiplay

Emma Hunter

Fashion & Beauty

Agnes Karbo

Trinity Eadie

Travel

Ellen Pinch

Sophie Jarvis

Food & Drink

Barbora Pacherova

Esther Arnold

Culture

Senior editors: Sarah Tunstall

S.Tunstall2@newcastle.ac.uk

Adam Lovegrove

A.Lovegrove2@newcastle.ac.uk

Music

Bertie Kirkwood

Oli Free

TV

Cory Gourley

Kirsty Dow

Film

Alex Paine

Charlotte Thompson

Gaming

Amy Mescus

Milly Thompson

Arts

Keira Gratton

Phoebe Clark

Puzzles

Poppy Bedford

Trouble at Tetley

Zoe Maddalena

Tetley Tea workers announce strike over pay disputes.

On the 18th September 2024, the Teeside workers of Tetley Tea (the UK’s third favourite tea brand) announced a walk out over pay disputes. Since, industrial action was held on the 20th and 23rd September, with the GMB Union to announce 12 more dates in the coming months.

Tetley Tea is owned by Tata Consumer Products, which is under the multimillion Indianowned Tata Group. Tata offered the workers of the Eaglescliffe Tetley Tea warehouse a 4.4% pay rise, a cut from the 7% which workers received in 2023. The workers subsequently walked out, stating that the pay rise was not inline with the National Minimum Wage with wages rising 9.8% to meet inflation and keep up with the current cost of living crisis.

Paul Clark, the GMB Organiser, gave a statement highlighting the Tetley Tea site having predominately female workers who, ‘have been backed into a corner by poverty pay and bullying bosses.’. Just Drinks reported of a previous plan to strike in 2023 due to a pay cut by the Tata Group against Tetley, however it never materialised, presenting how detrimental this years cuts have become for the workers.

"Backed into a corner by poverty pay and bullying bosses"

The walkout has been backed by the Labour Party, acknowledging the confidence of the workers to stand up to a ‘big employer like Tata’, and encourages support for the peaceful strike.

In a statement to Just Drinks, a Tata spokesperson has responded, stating they are ‘not immune to difficult economic circumstances facing families and business, but believe the pay offer has been fair.’ Despite the the strike being peaceful on the picket line, the strikers have been met with police and further being sued by the multi-million dollar company for trespassing, stated by the Labour Party. With it now being over a month since the walkout there has been no conclusive action, with the workers refusing to back down until their concerns are heard. If the multi-million dollar company does not meet an agreement with the Tetley workers, the UK could be facing a Tetley Tea shortage in the coming months.

Byker's Shields Road given £400,000 for Renovation

Newcastle Council Faces Financial Trouble

Timothy Daw Newcastle City Council in tough financial situation following cuts.

Since 2010, Newcastle City Council has reduced expenditure by £369 million due to cuts to local authority funding implemented by the the last Conservative government.

In February of this year, the council revealed an additional £60 million must be found before 2027, with the aim of finding at slashing at least £15 million within the next year.

They have proposed to do this by increasing tax revenue via a 4.99% rise in council tax, the maximum they can enact without triggering a local referendum, representing an annual household rise of £63.85 to £191.55 depending on the housing band your property falls within.

“Child

poverty has disproportionately impacted the North-East

”

Another revenue raising measure being implemented is the hiking of public service fees such as on street parking and waste collections.

Cuts to key services have also been proposed, including the scrapping of funding for the £100,000 a year crisis support service, tasked with familial support for those in abusive or neglectful households as well as assisting those experiencing economic hardship.

The impact of which will be exacerbated by the ending of the Household Support Fund in March, which Newcastle received £5.8 million from last year. These drastic measures include raising school meal prices by 50p, alongside a £537,000 cut to the school meal subsidy program, and the elimination of 40 council positions. This is at a time where inflation, the subsequent cost of living crisis and child poverty (15% higher than UK average) has disproportionately impacted the NorthEast.

“The council revealed an additional £60 million must be found before 2027"

Newcastle City Council have authorised these proactive measures to avoid the dreaded Section 114 notice (effectively a bankruptcy declaration), a fate faced by 8 councils over the last 6 years, most recently by Birmingham and Nottingham. The cost of COVID financial and medical support, austerity measures instigated by George Osborne and general economic stagnation have all contributed to the complete decimation of local authority finances, a fact reflected by the £4 billion funding gap currently facing UK councils. Although Newcastle is seemingly staving off insolvency for now, it’s longterm wellbeing is reliant on this Labour council’s careful pragmatic planning coupled with close cooperation in Westminster to address the nationally pervasive funding shortfalls.

Emma Hunter -Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Local Bakery has received £400,000 to regenerate the Shields Road

Acommunity bakery has been awarded £400,000 of National Lottery funding for a social regeneration project. Named ‘Stottie Power’, the project will focus on the Byker area, particularly Shields Road, although other locations in Heaton and Walker will also be targeted.

Big River Bakery in Ouseburn has been tasked with reviving empty buildings for local needs, such as community event spaces, start-ups, local food and arts. It will work in conjunction with the North East Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council to bring the empty units back into use.

This will build on its previous social enterprise projects, for which it has won national awards and praise on TV from the Hairy Bikers.

Shield Road has been named one of the UK's worst high streets for its levels of

unoccupied buildings, anti-social behaviour and quality of businesses. As one resident put it, “It’s like a ghost town”. For this reason, it is hoped that ‘Stottie Power’ will bring about welcome change, as well as shift the negative perception of the area. Even Kim McGuiness, North East Mayor, has praised the project. “I welcome this fantastic opportunity for people in Byker”, she declared. Big River Bakery founder Andy Haddon agrees, saying: “There are so many underutilised high streets like Shields Road. Something needs to happen to bring some hope and opportunity for people”.

“It

is hoped that Stottie Power will shift the negative perception of the area”

However, he has also cast his doubts on the effectiveness of the project, because the amount falls far short of what is needed. "It doesn't provide the money for the actual renovation, just for activities", was his verdict. It is nonetheless hoped the scheme will bring back the street’s oncecherished community spirit.

Employment Rights Bill: The Overview

Melissa O'Reilly Keir Starmer's Employment Rights Bill has evoked both praise and criticism.

From the get-go, Keir Starmer’s government has been adamant to solve the employment rights issues they inherited from the previous administration with hopes that their new Employment Rights Bill will ensure this. Whilst some believe that the clauses will only cause more uncertainty for employers and employees alike, others say they will bring the change workers have been waiting for. Either way, the government has been criticised for the two-year consultation period on most of the

changes.

The new bill includes a series of policies that will affect millions of workers, especially those entering new jobs, including further access to Statutory Sick Pay; access to both paternity pay and unpaid parental leave from the first day of employment; as well as reduced exploitation for those in a zero-hour contract.

Whilst some say the policies are

"A series of policies that will affect millions"

a step in the right direction for better employer-employee relations, critics claim that the bill is clumsy and uninspired, with employers concerned that Britain will return to the early 1970s with overwhelming union disruption.

Ultimately, this bill is one that will define Starmer’s five-year term as prime minister.

Image credit: Newcastle Libraries, Flickr

Northern Lights delight residents of the North-East

The Northern Lights have dazzled the North East

While countries like Iceland and Norway are famous for the Northern Lights, residents of the northeast were treated to sightings of this stunning phenomenon this October.

One student, thrilled to catch the aurora on October 10th, had been left disappointed by cloud cover during a May trip to Whitley Bay with the same goal. “I was absolutely buzzing to catch the aurora,” the student said after the successful October outing.

“Clear, dark skies with low light pollution are essential”

For those eager to capture an Instagramworthy shot of the Northern Lights, there are a few things to keep in mind. Clear, dark skies with low light pollution are essential. It’s also helpful to monitor the weather forecast and keep an eye on the Kp index—a measurement of geomagnetic activity that ranges from 0 to 9.

Apps like AuroraWatch can help you track geomagnetic activity and notify you when a display is likely. Keeping these apps handy increases your chances of being at the right place at the right time.

According to VisitEngland, the Northumberland National Park offers the best vantage point for aurora viewing in the northeast. With its expansive dark skies, it’s a haven for stargazers and aurora enthusiasts alike. However, the Northern Lights have also been enjoyed from more accessible spots closer to the city, such as Leazes Park.

“I was absolutely buzzing to catch the aurora”

Leazes Park, just a short walk from Newcastle city centre, has surprised many with its aurora displays despite the light pollution from the surrounding urban area. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Whitley Bay offers scenic coastal views that can provide the perfect backdrop for the dancing lights.

Whether from the quiet beauty of Northumberland or an unexpected spot close to home, the sight of the aurora is always worth the wait and reminds us of the celestial wonders beyond the stars.

Protest at Hatton Gallery

Marcus Williamson -News Sub-Editor

A 'study-in' and emergency rally took place at the Hatton Gallery on Thursday.

An emergency rally and ‘study-in’ took place at the Hatton Gallery on Thursday after an anti-apartheid travelling exhibition arrived in Newcastle.

Those involved in the encampment which was present on campus at the end of last year were invited to showcase artefacts alongside the 'All Shall be Afforded Dignity’ exhibition. The exhibition has been curated in remembrance of the South African apartheid and features the work of South African artist Norman Kaplan. The protests, which were organised

by Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus, were designed to protest supposed ‘hypocrisy of the university’, as described by a protestor present on Thursday. This comes after the ‘All Shall be Afforded Dignity’ travelling exhibition arrived in the Ex-Libris Gallery on Campus.

The protestors started with a ‘study-in’ in the Hatton Gallery at 1pm where they stuck posters, with messages including ‘END APARTHEID, NOT LIVES’, to the windows. They later announced an ‘emergency rally’ outside the gallery which began at 6pm.

“They later announced an 'emergency rally' outside the gallery”

When asked about whether they were optimistic regarding negotiations with the university over Newcastle AOC’s demands, one protestor told The Courier

Kemi Badenoch criticised

over autism comments

Oliver Tierney Kemi Badenoch under fire for campaign pamphlet autism claims.

“No I’m not too optimistic, however, I know how much they want us to go away”.

This protest comes in the wake of the group soft picketing the careers fair on campus a week earlier. The Courier was told that this was because invitations were sent to several companies that the group took issue with, alongside the Royal Airforce and Northumbria Police.

The ‘All Shall be Afforded Dignity’ exhibition will be present in the Ex-Libris Gallery until the 31st of October, after which it will travel to London’s Swiss Cottage Library Gallery.

Conservative leadership contender Kemi Badenoch has received heavy criticism over statements suggesting autistic people receive, "economic privileges and protections".

Kemi Badenoch's campaign team argued in a Renewal 2030-branded pamphlet, published on October 13th, that autistic children and adults receive undue, "better treatment" at school and at work.

Badenoch's pamphlet notably attacked the process of reasonable adjustments - a measure introduced in the 2010 Equality Act. This forced employers to make slight changes to minimise disadvantages faced by disabled employees, such as making it non-compulsory for workers to declare disabilities during the hiring

One example of reasonable adjustments would be giving a neurodivergent worker advanced notice in chances to their work schedule.

“Belittle the struggles of autistic people”

Sir Robert Buckland, a former Conservative MP who published a review into employment among autistic people, called the section on mental health and autism "muddled" and "[not] based on any evidence" due to its conflation of autism with mental health issues. The Buckland Review, published earlier this year, found that 70% of autistic adults are unemployed, compared to just 20% of non-disabled adults, because there are "too many barriers to work".

Dr Hannah Belcher, an autistic lecturer at King's College London, also criticised the pamphlet. She stated that its claims, "belittle the struggles of autistic people, implying we have adopted some identity to gain advantages above others".

The pamphlet went on to attack increases in NHS mental health spending. It argues that the increase in expenditure from £4 billion to £16.8 billion (since 1999) grossly outpaces inflationary increases, which "would have seen a rise to £7.3 billion".

This critique of NHS spending increases was quickly denounced by Alexa Knight, a Director at the Mental Health Foundation. She said that, "NHS mental health support has been underfunded for decades [...] the almost 2 million people on waiting lists for mental health support can attest to that".

A spokesperson for Badenoch stated that it was, "wrong to infer any prejudice".

Badenoch herself is yet to formerly make a statement responding to the criticism.

Image credit: Adam Lovegrove

Image credit: Roger Harris, Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Dylan Seymour

Amina Islam

Thursday 6th November, 1997

Campus Comment

Newcastle University’s ban on ‘Geordie Slang’: Is it thoughtful or thoughtless?

Ellen Pinch - Travel Sub-Editor

One of our Sub-editors comments on the tactility of regional slang in the North-East...

Language is one of the fundamental elements of the self. The way that we speak and interact with others shapes us daily, and we’re influenced by those around us. We all have our favourite words, quirks and accents that build on our identity and the way that we express ourselves, but a recent project by Newcastle University to publish its new ‘Equality and Inclusion Toolkit’ has sparked a national controversy.

After suggestions that terms like ‘pet’ could be patronising, it was suggested that the term should be excluded from our vocabulary. According to the guide, which is downloadable from the University website and accessible to the public, this is to avoid patronising or gendered terms.

"It is good to practice referring to colleagues by their name. If referring to a group, call them friends or colleagues.

Avoid patronising or gendered terms, such as girls, pet, or ladies."

"Our researchers asked for advice on using inclusive language in a professional capacity, and the guide was created to help them do that."

Duck, sugar, love, darling, sweetheart, dear, hun and petal are just some of the other terms of endearment that can be heard across the country, so what makes ‘pet’ so different? Newcastle arguably has one of the country’s most recognisable and well-received regional dialects, with Geordie topping many lists as the UK’s friendliest accent.

The university has previously been vocal about its identity as a north-east institution and what that means to the institution, its student body and its staff, including a recently published ‘10 Geordie Phrases you need to know if you study in Newcastle’ and various guides on history and sociology of the area.

“Newcastle arguably has one of the country's most recognisable and wellrecieved regional dialects.

As a student not from the North East, my friends and I will often add Geordie dialect words into our conversations.

Day in the Uni life: Biomed Science Student

Rebecca Terry

Read about a typical day for a Biomed Student.

Iwoke up around 8:30am and reluctantly dragged myself out of bed to start the day. After a sluggish start, I threw together a packed lunch becauselet's be honest- buying lunch on campus is a luxury I can't afford. As usual, I left late and end up speed-walking to my 10 a.m. lecture. Today's lecture was part of the 'Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System' module, focusing on how the immune system responds and how T cells (a type of lymphocyte) are activated. I rushed to make it to my lab starting at 11am. The lab was 5 hours long and we tested samples we had prepared earlier using agarose gel electrophoresis, then screen and

photograph the results under fluorescent light. This produced bands that, when compared to known examples, allowed us to determine the size of the DNA, as the gel separated the fragments based on size. While it might sound a bit tedious, we could take breaks whenever we liked. My group of four went for a lunch break together and grabbed some coffee, which broke up the monotony. By 4 pm I was still feeling surprisingly productive, so my friend and I headed to the library for a few hours. I was in the middle of applying for placements, so I managed to finish a cover letter and catch up on some lecture notes. We finally left the library around 7 pm and, being so close to the pub, decided it would be rude not to stop by. What was meant to be just one drink turned into a larger gathering as more friends joined us to take advantage of the £2 pints at the Hancock, plus some pizza. I ended up leaving around 10:30 pm and finally collapsed into bed around 1:30 am, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

We’ve been made to feel like Honorary Geordies, embraced by a community of people proud of their region and wanting to share that with us. Our use of the language comes from a place of love for a city that has been so kind to let us call it home, but it feels wrong and contradictory that the institution that accommodates our main purpose here over the next couple of years is trying to dampen the Geordie spirit.

"It feels wrong that the institution that accommodates our purpose here is trying to dampen the Geordie spirit.

"Newcastle arguably has one of the country’s most recognisable and wellreceived regional dialects"

The UK is renowned for its incredible range of regional dialects, although it is no secret that our language as a nation is becoming more homogenised. There should be an active effort to preserve dying dialects for future generations, as they form the foundation of a regional culture. There can be lots of reasons for diversion from regional accents and dialects, including exposure to different technologies (social media particularly amongst younger generations) and

emigration of people from across the British Isles and further afield. Geordie regionalisms were traditionally preserved because of the North East’s geographical distance from London, but this has significantly changed through technological and social shifts during the last century. Surely a world which is perpetually at risk of losing regional character should be celebrating and preserving the diversity of British dialects and the language of our ancestors?

Realistically, it all melts down to the context of an interaction. There is not a single doubt in my mind that we need to be more mindful and inclusive with the language that we use on a day-to-day basis in order to create a more conscious

community. Whilst I agree that we should be moving away from language that actively patronises women, we have to ask ourselves where we draw the line. Society as a whole needs to get better at having uncomfortable conversations about language and how we treat one another, but I don’t think that- with all things considered- Newcastle’s decision is just. What we should be focusing on is stopping the entrenched chauvinism and demeaning social interactions which are ever present in cities all over the UK. We should all be able to feel pride regarding our regionalisms and be able to use them to express ourselves around others. At the end of the day, the diversity of students from all over the UK and the world is one of the pillars of Newcastle University.

“ALREET, PET?”

“OKAY, HENNY!” “SWEETHEART”

The Institution of Engineering and Technology opportunites

other tech and engineering societies at Newcastle University to organise joint events. With the support of IET, students will have the potential to secure funding for these collaborative events, ensuring that activities are well-promoted and financially viable.

Newcastle University is welcoming a new initiative aimed at students passionate about technology, science, and engineering. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on Campus is launching, offering students a gateway to professional development, industry connections, and valuable career skills.

The IET, a global organisation supporting engineers and technologists, will provide Newcastle students with the chance to engage with industry professionals through networking events, company visits, and training workshops. This new group aims to enhance the university experience for those in tech and engineeringrelated fields by offering access to extracurricular activities that not only enrich learning but also prepare students for professional life. One of the unique aspects of IET on Campus is its focus on collaboration. The group plans to work closely with

" Offering tech and engineering extracurriculars "

To make this vision a reality, the IET on Campus team is looking for committed students to join its founding committee. There are several key positions available, and filling these roles will be crucial in shaping the society’s future.

The Vice Chair will work closely with the Chair and Treasurer to ensure smooth operations and that

IET’s processes are followed.

The Marketing & Promotions Officer will be responsible for raising the profile of the society, managing social media and promotional activities. The Treasurer will manage the society’s finances, including funding applications and budget management.

The Welfare Officer will play a vital role in ensuring that welfare guidelines are followed, providing support where necessary. The Secretary will handle the logistical side of the society, including organising meetings and liaising with university staff.

"For

students looking to build leadership skills and gain hands-on experience."

For students looking to build leadership skills and gain hands-on experience in managing a society, these roles offer the perfect opportunity. Those interested in contributing to this exciting initiative should contact Andrew Maxwell at A.Maxwell3@newcastle. ac.uk for more information. This is a fantastic chance for students to not only connect with the wider engineering and technology community but also to help shape a society that will benefit fellow students for years to come.

Image Credit: Stuart Madeley, Flickr

Image Credit: Vector Portal

£35 million in debt: what can the Uni do to help International Students?

Scarlet Davies - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

What can our University do to increase the number of International Students?

Newcastle University’s vice chancellor Professor Chris Day told staff in September that there would be immediate costcutting measures for the university because of a decline in the attendance of international students; we are now £35 million short of our usual budget, according to the university.

As a Newcastle University spokesperson said: "We are in a sound financial position but like many other universities, we are managing the impact of a shortfall in international student recruitment this year resulting in a fall in income.” So why are so many universities struggling with the recruitment of international students, and what can Newcastle do to change this?

The main reason behind the lack of international students is undoubtedly newly-enforced visa changes. New rules have been enforced that make it more difficult for international students to bring family members abroad with them, and the salary threshold for staying in

the UK after studying has been raised.

"The main reason is undoubtedly the newlyenforced visa changes "

Following Brexit in 2016, changes to visa requirements and student finance for EU students alone have led to a 50% decline in accepted applicants in 2021/22. The Turing Scheme was also introduced, replacing the Erasmus+ program, which

provided funding for international students.

“International students contribute an average of £41.9 billion to the UK per year..."

"International students contribute an average of £41.9 billion to the UK per year..."

The Turing Scheme, on the other hand, does not fund

students from abroad. Due to general inflation in England and more constraints, students are being drawn to other, cheaper European countries to study; this leaves UK universities in an uncompromising position.

So what should we do about it?

International students contribute an average of £41.9 billion to the UK per year, and across the UK international students are expected to pay £10,000-29,000 annually for a lecture-based, undergraduate course.

"If we lowered the fee for UK universities, more international students would actually be able to come."

However, for European countries they only have to pay £5,000-13,000 per academic year; this is where we’re going wrong. Perhaps, if we lowered the fee for attending UK universities, more international students would actually be able to come to Newcastle, and we’d have more of a budget to work with throughout the year. It’s an entirely feasible planparticularly for our new government which has promised to lower student loans anyway. International students are a core part of our university, and it’s about time we started treating them equally.

From cages to cures: Should Newcastle University continue animal testing?

Juliet Orton

The ethics of animal testing as a Biochem student...

Whether you're pro or against animal testing, there is no denying its universal, decades-long benefit to humans. From cancer and other disease treatments to blood transfusions, organ transplants, and vaccines (including for SARS-CoV-2), animal testing has been vital to our extended lifespan and quality of life.

In the UK, animal use is highly regulated (by the Animals in Scientific Procedures Act 1986 or ASPA) and is considered some of the strictest in the world. Three licenses are required, one for individuals doing the “procedure” (ensuring proper training in treatment and termination of the animals), one for each research project and one for the establishment where the procedures occur.

To receive a project license, it needs to be shown that the least sentient and smallest number of animals possible will be used, show as much pain and distress as possible will be avoided and that the use of them (instead of non-animal alternatives) is necessary.

The government's annual statistics of scientific produce stated that 2.68 million scientific procedures involving protected animals were performed in Great Britain, primarily for research on the nervous system, immune system, and cancer. Despite strict regulations, the pain inflicted by these procedures is unavoidable.

"In the UK, animal use is highly regulated and is considered some of the strictest in the world."

The general license permits the use

of living vertebrates and other species such as reptiles and birds, whereas nonhuman primates, horses, cats and dogs are specially protected and require an additional license. Animals such as the fruit fly are not protected by UK law, however, at Newcastle University, an internal ethics committee must approve all animal testing, regardless of the species.

Newcastle University is committed to only using animals when no alternatives exist for important projects. The

How to: reduce your campus carbon

Lucy Langdon

What we can do individually and collectively to help...

The real question should be is sustainability the responsibility of the person or the group as a whole? If we want to put the responsibility onto the person then there are many obvious things we could be doing such as making sure we correctly recycle (wash out your tins first) and limit using singleuse plastic (get a lunch box or reusable takeout coffee mug).

behaviour and welfare to reduce harm, remaining transparent on its animal use in research (https://www.ncl. ac.uk/research/research-governance/ animal/).

"Newcastle University is committed to only using animals when no alternatives exist for important projects."

Bioscience and related students are educated on the law, the debate of ethics in animal research and current and future alternatives. Last year, Newcastle carried out 15,400 procedures on mice, 33 on birds and 8 on macaques (and other animals) which went towards research on heart and circulatory diseases, cancer, vaccines and stroke research to help the millions affected by

"Animal research is currently essential, and stopping it now would leave millions to die."

those diseases and save countless lives. All of this is to say that while difficult, animal research is currently essential, and stopping it now would leave millions to die. However, as science advances and the alternatives improve, they may one day replace animal experiments, and we should ensure Newcastle’s research practice keeps pace with these changes.

"It is interesting to see how many items go to waste during society socials."

However, many people believe that if celebrities are able to take multiple private planes a year, racking up a much higher carbon footprint than would be possible for the average person, then us doing our part won’t make any difference. In that case, we ask what can the university do to help? Surely if such a large community can make small changes then it will make a big difference. Looking at the topic of waste and recycling it is interesting to see how many items go to waste during society's socials. The amount of single-use or destroyed items that come out of a Wednesday night social must be immense. And yet the University still endorses this. It makes you wonder why there isn’t a scheme of some sort to make sure these gag items are reused between societies and through the years. This could lead to some pieces becoming almost like historical relics.

"The amount of single-use items that come out of a Wednesday night."

Image Credit: pexels

Image Credit: Freerange

Politicians: the personal, the scandals, and the public eye

Lily Stokes

A discussion about the importance of a politician's private lifeis public interest taking it too far?

When I talk about love affairs, what do you think of?

What about betting scandals or illegal parties? No, I’m not talking about the latest season of Made in Chelsea or Love Island, but about some of the biggest scandals at heart of British politics. Yes, politics has always been about the intriguing, about the personal. Love, money, and power are at play, and as citizens, we are invited to front row seats. But has this infatuation with scandals and politician’s personal lives gone too far? And, more importantly, what does it say about politics today?

There is no doubt that the private and public realms have moved

closer together and the professional and personal lives of politicians have become intertwined. The rise of 24hour media, and social media certainly hasn’t helped this. Equally, in an era when personality and ‘vibe’ politics are at the forefront, there is an undeniable thirst for information about politician’s private lives. During the 2024 general election, Starmer’s pledge that he would have dinner with his family on Friday evenings sparked

amount of sugar, during the Sky News debate. As if we have a right to control and comment on every aspect of a politician’s life, right down to what they eat and when.

"Love, money, and power are at play, and as citizens, we are invited to front row seats."

Can we trust Elon Musk with Space?

Sanderson

Yet again, Elon Musk’s ‘SpaceX’ company has been breaking new ground in space travel.

On the 13th of October, Musk’s Starship rocket launched into the sky from its base in Texas, before smoothly descending back into its launchpad in what has been called the ‘chopstick manoeuvre’, marking the first ever launchpad return in the history of space travel. This comes in the wake of rapid advancement in the private space exploration sector, which looks set to overtake national space programmes such as NASA in the near future.

While it may be easy to get wrapped up in excitement about the potential for commercial space tourism, an idea which not too long ago was limited to sci-fi, it is worth asking the question: how much do we trust billionaires like Elon Musk to lead it? Although Musk has enjoyed great financial success over the past decade, and is now the richest man in the world, his path to the top of the capitalist pyramid has hardly been ethical.

Even the hobbies of Prime Ministers are of enormous interest, whether that is Johnson’s joy of making and painting model buses, or May’s mischievous teen years which she spent running through fields of wheat. Arguably it is easier, and simpler, to pinpoint Johnson’s flustering, baboonlike character, than the minute details of Brexit or complex economic policy. And frankly, it’s more interesting, too. Of course, how we view politicians and the criteria to which we judge them has changed. Just as Kennedy’s good looks and charm won him popularity during the 1960s and the boom of the television, a new criteria of what makes

a ‘successful politician’ is being shaped by short-form, fast-moving, and shallow media. Either the politician wins at this game by avoiding this popularity contest all together. They present themselves as personally uninteresting, hardworking, and scandal free, but ultimately lose when caught out by hypocrisy, failing to reach this unachievable standard. The likes of Starmer, Sunak and even Hillary Clinton could be grouped into this camp. Or the politician – Truss, Johnson, and Trump, for example - leans into their interesting scandals and flamboyant

character. Yet, the chaos and poor governing that ensues is an ultimate loss for the public.

Yet, we can’t pull our eyes away from the personal scandal, crazed hobbies, and downright intriguing personas. And as we look one way, in the other direction, sensible policy discussion, careful planni ing, and deep thought are being left in a heap.

Deal with it”.

With this in mind, should we really be putting the future of space travel into the hands of a man who has built his wealth on the exploitation of the working class and the global south? Or perhaps this is an inevitability of a neoliberal capitalist economy which gives so much power to so few individuals.

And on another note, is there not something disturbing about the idea of the natural wonder of the moon, the central feature of the night sky which has been spiritually important to almost every culture in history, becoming a vessel for resource extraction and privatised tourism? At what point do we draw the line between what is up for sale and what is not?

Workers at Musk’s car company, Tesla, report that any attempts to unionise for better conditions are unconditionally crushed, while working conditions remain abysmal, with very long hours and workers often end up sleeping on the floor. Furthermore, in response to an accusation that the US ordered a coup against the president of Bolivia in order for Tesla to acquire its lithium supplies, Musk responded: “We will coup whoever we want!

Perhaps moments like this should make us question how much profit incentives should be driving our society towards technological innovation, and whether instead we ought to prioritise the collective well being of humanity. After all, planet earth has more than enough capacity to support the human race, so it seems we should focus on our own pressing issues, such as war, poverty and climate change, before we start spreading our most toxic practices to other planets.

Esther Arnold - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

Has friendship been irrevocably changed by the digital age?

Are we losing depth in our friendships by only using social media to stay connected?

The digital age has aggressively crashed into our lives, but the days of regrettably lost friendships still linger. Why? Though online life has made it incredibly easy to reconnect with lost friends, it can remain difficult to keep a long-distance friendship alight. Now contact is more of a “… if they wanted to, they would” situation, exposing friends to potential judgement.

Social Media: The New No.1 Enemy?

helping us stay in touch with those scattered across the globe and stumble upon life-long friends. Despite this, it seems we are dangerously sinking into a deep abyss of misconstrued DMs and overthinking punctuation. Our methods of communication have changed fundamentally with the advent of social media. I have happy memories of buying atrocious postcards for my friends whilst on holiday, scrawling down all of the adventures my 9-year-old self had undertaken over the 2 weeks away. Despite resurfacing

friend’s door instead of waiting hours for a text to be read. Physical acts, like receiving flowers or even a short letter, just ma ke friendship seem so much more special to me. Maybe I’m just being sentimental, but when separated from a close friend, it’s hard to show real appreciation through messages. Easily lost amongst quicker and more convenient methods, it is your own responsibility to sustain

Wunnecessary damage experienced by friendships due to social media can be destructive. Connections deteriorate so easily from not replying to a message quickly enough or overanalysing its tone. While you spiralled for hours because your bestie ‘ghosted’ you, they were simply in the queue at Carphone Warehouse after dropping their phone whilst replying. Now we have social media entwined within our lives, the thought of abandonment is even more distressing, instant and acute. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Don’t let what you thought was an angry message fester and split you apart. Pick up the phone and talk it out. Or maybe send that super gorgeous birthday card you saw this morning. Shooting a quick hpy bday x to your soulmate doesn’t always cut it. It can be easy to forget the importance of friendship as we all battle with social media, but I feel that a little step back in time can work wonders when you feel you’ve hit the rocks.

Harry

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons, Number 10

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons, UK Prime Minister, kallerna

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons. Donkey Hotey, Pixabay, Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Image: credits: AIEmoji Generaltor, RawPixel, PNGkey

Have TikTok edits gone too far?

Abigail Johnston Blythe

Are we missing the point so we can find TikTok's next "boyfriend"?

TikTok has become the go-to platform for quick, creative content—from compilation videos to fanmade edits of our favourite actors. Lately, these edits have taken on a life of their own, transforming serious scenes into swoon-worthy montages. One actor who's caught in the middle of this trend is Nicholas Chavez, who plays Lyle Menendez in a new documentary series about the infamous Menendez brothers case. But, instead of focusing on the grim subject, TikTok has been buzzing about Chavez himself—turning him into a new internet heartthrob.

For those who don’t know, the Menendez brothers were convicted of killing their parents in 1989. The documentary dives into the tragic and complicated case, but the TikTok edits featuring Chavez, do not make this evident to viewers. Clips of his portrayal of Lyle Menendez have been set to upbeat music, turning dark courtroom scenes into content that provokes comments including “celeb crush”, “fine”, and “hot”. It’s left some

wondering—are we missing the point of these shows?

Adding to this, a recent TikTok from the Newcastle club Tropiloco took things to another level. The video shows students in line for the club being asked how many drinks it would take for them to sleep with the Menendez brothers. Yes, you read that right. The clip has stirred a

mix of reactions—some find it darkly humorous, while others feel it crosses a line, trivializing not only the real-life crimes but also the moral boundaries around what’s appropriate to joke about. Fan edits and viral moments like this aren’t exactly new. For years, people have been turning their favourite onscreen characters into crushes, but there's something particularly jarring obsession, or are we just separating the actor from the role? One online contributor commented on one of the edits “I was watching the show and couldn’t get over how fine this man is (the actor not the character he plays)”. So, maybe most people are separating the actors from the controversial characters they play. And is there anything wrong with that? Everyone seems to have a different opinion. On one side, it’s all in good fun—fans

"For

years, people have been turning their favourite on-screen characters into crushes”

are just showing their appreciation for Chavez’s talent (and, let’s be honest, his good looks). But on the other hand, it’s a little strange to see real-life tragedies transformed into a thirst trap, or in Tropiloco’s case, a drinking game. Does it trivialize the story? Or are we just enjoying the internet the way we always do, by turning everything into something entertaining?

Maybe the real question is: do we even care about what shows are depicting anymore? Either way, Nicholas Chavez probably didn’t expect to go from portraying a convicted murderer to TikTok’s latest “boyfriend,” but here we are.

Go figure: do statues in public spaces really mean anything?

Emma Hunter - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

One of our writers discusses the use of statues in public spaces.

Newcastle is brimming with public statues. At least 33 can be found in the city centre alone – but could you name some of them? I could barely name any, as I embarrassingly discovered. But I wouldn’t be the only one, because anecdotal evidence seems pretty clear that very few people, particularly of a younger age, pay attention to statues. Every day, we walk straight past them. At most, they get a vague “that looks nice” before moving on.

From this, a question begins to

“Statues can be divisive when they commemorate people who have done less-than-savoury things”

take shape: do public statues still mean anything? They clearly did in Victorian times, when a large number of sculptures in the were erected in UK cities, often to commemorate people who played a role in the city, of course, the British empire. This is one reason why statues are blindsided today: they represent things from long ago that feel unrelatable to the modern public. Also, there’s a lot of them. To the point where we ignore them because they’re so conventional - hence their dry, stuffy

reputation.

Only tourists are sometimes more inclined to look at statues more than most, because they actively want to learn about their destination. And indeed, there’s a lot you can find out about a city from its statues. They can tell you about its history, heritage and culture.

I’ve actually found some pretty cool things about

Newcastle as I’ve been researching: there are former Newcastle managers outside St. James’, and the mysterious

“They represent things from long ago that feel unrelatable to the modern public.”

walking, standing and floating men by Central Station represent the alter egos of the average Newcastle working man.

Also, most importantly, they look good. All are works of art that required skill and effort to create, and many are truly impressive.

Imagine Monument without its

memorial by the metro. Even if people don’t pay attention to their meaning, the atmosphere of grandeur and impressiveness they bring to an otherwise relatively ordinary street or square is invaluable.

Of course, the problem arises of who is put on the pedestal. Statues can be divisive when they commemorate people who have done less-thansavoury things.

But this shows at least that people do pay attention to statues, that they still play a role, whether positive or

Courier Column

Mia Young

The best of Binface’s policies - A satirical take on what Brits really want.

If our government can’t provide essential services, maybe we’ll give the guy with the bin on his head a go. Heres a look at some of his most relatable proposals:

Trains that work - Is there anything more British than standing on a cold, rainy platform looking at a delayed sign? We don’t need high speed rail, we just need trains that work.

At least one affordable house - A modest goal, but in todays housing market, this feels like a miracle.

Claudia Winkleman's fringe is to be grade 1 listed - Quite frankly iconic.

Ministers paid to be tied to nurses - With a band 5 nurse's salary being less than 1/3 an MPs basic wage, its only fair MPs get a taste of their own medicine.

All water bosses take a dip in British rivers & see how they like it - if its good enough for the fish, its good enough for the CEOs.

Even though Binface takes a unserious approach, his sarcasm resonates with the average Brit. He represents the simple desires of what most British people want; affordable housing, trains that work, fair pay for workers - the list goes on. His policies - although tongue-in-cheek - reflect a frustration with the current state of British politics.

Image Credit: FreeMalaysiaToday

How medical cannabis can help struggling students

Charlotte Atkinson - Science Sub-Editor

Our Science SubEditor sits down with GAP to discuss the new addition to their project

University can be an incredibly stressful time - balancing living and working for the first time alone can take a toll on young people's mental health, but new projects are launching to help students through these tough times. We spoke to Joséphine McFarlane from the Grow Access Project (GAP) about adding students to their scheme and the benefits of medical cannabis.

If you’d had medical cannabis at university, how do you think it would’ve helped you?

At uni, having medical cannabis would’ve made a huge difference to me in terms of not worrying where to source my medication and worrying about the quality of it and what’s in it, if it’s laced for example. I wouldn’t have had to worry about smelling of cannabis, some of the lecturers gave me some looks sometimes and I wouldn’t have had guilt associated with my medication use. It would’ve made a huge difference especially when you’re medicating for anxiety, it makes a sort of paradox if you get anxious about using that medication. I feel 100% a

level of anxiety would’ve been reduced.

Would a cannabis prescription be considered the same as any other prescription or would there be more conditions attached to it?

Medical cannabis prescriptions are the same as any other prescription - the kind that my company does are private prescriptions and that’s the main type in the UK. There’s NHS prescriptions for three conditions – MS, certain types of epilepsy and CINV, which is chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Private prescriptions are way more widespread in the UK, I think the current estimate is like 35,000 or 40,000 patients.

"Identity

exposure is one way of stigma reductionwhen you see the range of people that are cannabis consumers”

The conditions for getting a prescription are to have any diagnosed condition at all, and to have tried at least two types of medication or therapy for it. That can also include refusing a medication, for example you get offered anti-depressants but you don’t want to go on them for personal reasons. This is because of something that is called an unmet clinical need – so if the licensed medications don’t treat all of your symptoms, then you have an

Blobert De Niro: The Oakville blobs

Dylan

Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

Steve McQueen better get his umbrella out

In August 1994, the rain over Oakville, Washington took a new, bizarre form as blobs of a jelly-like substance were discovered in gardens across the city. Worse still, residents reported developing flu-like symptoms following contact with the mysterious orbs. Was this an attempt at world conquest by an alien species through gelatine-based warfare? Will the blobs one day come for us all? Probably not, but it’s worth a look anyway.

The phenomenon of various objects falling from the sky is hardly new. The people of Yoro, Honduras, for example, celebrate ‘lluvia de peces’. Literally meaning “rain of fish”, the phenomenon occurs yearly as waterspouts rip fish from the ocean, eventually sending them cascading down to earth.

“Some claimed that the US military had bombed jellyfish in the pacific ocean”

Meanwhile, San Francisco pop duo

‘The Weather Girls’ claim to have observed men raining from

unmet clinical need. There’s no specific conditions with it, you can travel abroad with it, you can drive with it, you can bring it into nightclubs and festivals.

Do you think this will remove some of the stigma surrounding cannabis and do you think this could lead to it’s legalisation in the UK?

I definitely think that widening awareness of medical cannabis will reduce the stigma attached to cannabis for everyone, especially for people using it “recreationally”, who will be medicating for an underlying condition that they don’t know they have, or for trauma, or loads of different things. Identity exposure is one way of stigma reduction – when you see the range of people that are cannabis consumers. I’ve met so many patients that are 80 or 90 year old women that use it for arthritis, you meet businessmen who use it, students as well. Another form of identity exposure is through medical associations. It’s something that both cosmetic surgeons and tattoo parlours have been done as well, they used to be very stigmatised when both first got popular. But through introducing things like having licenses for tattoo artists and cleanliness standards, and with cosmetic surgeons making it very clean and sterile. The same sort of thing is happening with cannabis at the moment – medical cannabis has a lot more tests it has to go through. My belief personally is that wider private prescriptions will lead to NHS reimbursement – that’s the main goal. That will then lead to legalisation, because of the amount of

people that consume it, how normalised it is, and tax benefits, things like that. Everyone should have access to it as a medicine, however they see fit. Recreational use is massively beneficial in terms of tax benefits, in terms of alcohol consumption going down, opioid consumption going down, and opioid deaths especially.

“Financial

barriers with medical cannabis are huge and I think that's a big issue”

Where do you see GAP going in the future? What are your personal hopes for the project?

Before we introduced students to the project, we added Blue Light card

holders as well. Teachers have recently been added to that but it’s mostly emergency services, nurses, and lots of frontline workers. Beyond that it also includes veterans and people on benefits. Students was my suggestion, but I think there’s many more groups we could add to that - there’s always ways to widen access projects. Currently the discounts you get with it are a free consultation with Integro, usually would be £95 but it’s completely free. You can speak to specialists about your conditions, and what medications you would get or need, and how much that would cost – this is before you pay anything at all. You also get cheaper repeat prescription fees. Financial barriers with medical cannabis are huge, and I think that’s a big issue. My idea for the future for GAP is to add as many groups as possible that would benefit and that have increased barriers for getting a prescription.

Wildlife biodiversity has declined by 73%, WWF reports

the sky, although these reports are unconfirmed. So, what makes the events in Oakville so intriguing?

Numerous explanations and theories emerged in the weeks following the incident. Some claimed that the US military had bombed jellyfish in the pacific ocean (presumably because they were harbouring WMD’s), while another theory suggested a leak of waste fluid from overhead aircraft. As some residents reported nausea and dizziness, questions were inevitably raised around safety. While some claimed to have found bacteria in the blobs, they had disappeared before a proper investigation could be conducted - so it remains a mystery.

“Are

we looking at a real-life version of 1958's The Blob?”

One explanation is that of ‘star jelly’, substances once thought to have fallen from the stars (the naming was fairly on the nose there) but now understood to be the excretions of frogs and toads. Descriptions of the Oakville blobs match those of ‘star jelly’, though this still doesn’t explain how the substance began falling from the sky.

Oakville’s blobs have entered the history books as of one of life’s great mysteries, among the likes of the Bermuda triangle and Bigfootalthough admittedly less exciting. With a similar incident being reported in Bournemouth in 2012, are we looking at a real-life version of 1958’s The Blob? We can only hope not, it would be terrible for the economy.

Sophie Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editor

One of our Subeditors looks at a concerning new report...

An alarming new report has found that wildlife biodiversity has had an average of a 73% decline within the past 50 years, according to Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2024.

The Living Planet Report, an annual overview assessing the state of the natural world, has highlighted the decline, which has focused on the average size of monitored wildlife populations. Tracking almost 35,000 vertebrate species across the globe, the biggest threats are posed to freshwater populations, which have experienced an 85% decline— closely followed by

“This

diminishing biodiversity is detrimental to other ecosystems within the environment”

the Caribbean alone, followed by a steep decline of 76% in Africa, 60% in Asia and the Pacific, 39% in North America, and 35% in Europe and Central Asia respectively.

“The 2024 study revealed that a sub-population of mountain gorillas has increased...”

The primary causes and continued

due to continued conservation efforts.

The 2024 study revealed that a sub-population of mountain gorillas has increased, as well as bison populations in central Europe — yet these positive stabilisations are

“The Cop16 biodiversity summit will be held in Cali, Columbia”

environment, impacting their systemic health and driving the state of the natural world closer to the irreversible disasters, including influencing food security and economies.

terrestrial species (69%) and marine life (56%).

Regionally, the study found a decline of 95% in Latin America and

While the Living Planet Index explores threats to populations and ecosystems, the studies also overview populations that are stable or increased

revealed with warnings that it isn’t enough with the widespread habitat

200 countries, including the UK, have signed up to a 2022 UN Agreement pledging to tackle nature loss, which includes setting aside 30% of the

As well as this, throughout the week commencing 21st October, the Cop16 biodiversity summit will be held in Cali, Colombia, where countries will meet for the first time to discuss agreements on international targets to prevent further destruction of the planet.

Image Credit: Joséphine McFarlane, Grow Access

Image Credits: @Maxima, GoodFon. com, @Vanhalligan, Flickr

January 20th - February 18th

November is a month of innovation, Aquarius. You will be at the peak of your creativity so try working on exposing yourself to some art and culture... just try not to spend all your money on those overprices poster sales!

AAquarius Aries Taurus

Pisces, October moved a bit too fast for your liking, and you may be struggling to juggle it all at the moment. Take the time to breathe and maybe attend a couple of yoga sessions to ground yourself again.

The passage of the Moon in the Aries astral sky means that there will be an increased desire for sharing. Keep your hand sanitizer and strepsles at bay because that could include diseases!

Gemini

Scorpio season has you focused on your relationships. You're getting sick of flings and are looking for some sparks. And as bonfire night approaches soon... looks like things may be in your favor.

s the new moon enters this season, it brings in a time for change. Head over to your local piercing studio and make some bad decisions.

With Mercury going into a retrogade this month, you will likely be feeling a bit more tired than usual. You may also have people from your past return, so don't be surpised if your ex pops up in your dms. You have been warned!

Libra, A new moon in Scorpio, the sign of intimacy, could mean you may be preparing for some warm embraces as the weather begins to cool! Whether it's the warm embrace of whisky down your throat or an actual person, that is yet to be determined my friend.

Scorpio, It’s your season baby! The month starts off with a powerful reset in your 1st house of identity, meaning you will be facing some transformations! We can only hope these changes will be positive, and not just a bad manic hair dye job.

Leo, Mercury entering Sagittarius will highlight your romantic and childlike spirit. You will most likely be feeling extra charismatic and this month you may find yourself singing karaoke a bit too drunkenly and a bit too loudly...but don’t fear, even hanxiety won’t get you down.

Virgo, this month of November foresees you overcoming challenges. It may just be the first time you manage to figure out the wordle of the day in one go. Go you!

Sagittarius, this will be a time for you to reevaluate your commitments. Things you may find yourself committed to include bad decisions, the bit, movember, napping, obscure Instagram reels and sweet treats you can’t afford. Good luck this month!

Capricorn, the Scorpio new moon means that you will be entering a time of great reflection. Now would be a good time to watch Mulan. Or head to Ikea and buy some new mirrors. Either way, this could be a spiritual time for you!

Blind Date Co-Ordinator:

Tired of dating apps? Looking for something fun to do? Apply for The Courier's Blind Date!

Abi Ogden - Blind Date and Agony Aunt Co-ordinator

Whether you're stressed about assignments or not getting along with your flatmates, Agony Aunt is here to help!

Dear Agony Aunt, Help me Agony Aunt! I'm stuck in a 9 month long situationship and I don't know how to make it official! We're both very anxious people and struggle to initiate anything. I brought up the idea of exclusivity after the first few months but they wanted to wait as to not rush into anything so now I'm too scared to ask again... PLEASE give me advice on how to get past the anxiety block in my brain whenever I'm around them.

From: A Reader

Dear Reader, The most important advice I can give you is to find the right time to have this conversation. If you're feeling anxious, a romatic candlelit dinner might not be the place for this. Approach it in a space where you're not out of your comfort zone, as you don't want to be adding unneccesary pressure onto yourself. Ultimately, it is just another conversation - even though it is an important one! Wait for a moment that feels natural and comfortable. Some people find the idea of becoming 'official' nerve-wracking, so it might be a good idea to discuss what this means for you. Be clear and assertive with your feelings so there's no risk of miscommunication. Make sure you also give them the chance to tell you their feelings, and if they're still not ready to be exclusive discuss the steps you can take to work towards this. Open communication is really important , so don't shut the conversation down if it doesn't go how you want it to, keep taking so you understand how they feel about the situation.

Image Credit: Pixabay

A guide to understanding your own love language

Start

'Boys

Ruby Tiplady - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

will be boys': exploring double standards

Delving into the well-known excuse that 'boys will be boys'...

Whether it’s used as a genuine excuse or as a joke, ‘boys will be boys’ is a phrase that’s all too common. It might be used for situations like laughing off how muddy children get after a football match - but it is increasingly used as a much more sinister justification for toxic ‘lads’ culture, even when it gets violent or misogynistic. But is the first example truly harmless? The answer to this is pretty complicated. Realistically, young boys really are just having fun when they play fight or come home from the park pitted. However, there is a clear contrast between what is acceptable from boys, and what is acceptable from girls. This Tide ad shows a mischievous boy having made a mess, which is comedically played off in the ad. But are these behaviours ever

accepted from young girls? Would you expect to see this exact ad, but featuring a young girl? There is an obvious imbalance when ‘boys will be boys’ excuses behaviours like these, but ‘girls will be girls’ doesn’t compute in the same context.

"When these behaviours aren’t challenged, the belief systems behind them thrive: boys can do what they like, and girls should take it"

More alarming, though, is the tendency to play the beginnings of misogyny off with the same phrase. Boys pull hair, or push girls over, ‘because they have a crush on them’ and, obviously, ‘boys will be boys’. While they aren’t exactly extreme acts of violence, they are based in misogyny, and when these behaviours aren’t challenged, the belief systems behind them thrive: boys can do what they

like, and girls should take it. The phrase, then, enables toxic masculinity, the idea that men are dominant, loud, and messy by nature - and in turn, women are subservient, quiet, and tidy up after them.

Remembering a primary school Christmas play, where a song about getting the house ready described doing the washing up for your mum to reduce her to-do list: ‘And your dad / is so glad / as he hands the rubber gloves to you!’.

"‘Boys will be boys’ becomes society’s mentality, and it is consistently repackaged and regurgitated"

‘Boys will be boys’ becomes society’s mentality, and it is consistently repackaged and regurgitated, promoting ideas that let boys and men do very little while girls and women must pick up their slack. So, if ‘boys will be boys’ seems harmless, try to

remember the real world implications this way of thinking promotes - and let little girls run wild sometimes!

Phoebe Clark - Arts Sub-Editor

Image credit: Pixaby, OpenClipart - Vectors

Image credit: Pixaby, Ronhvass

Image credit: Vector Illustration

Image credit: Canva

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride: the single girl perspective

Megan Grimston - Sports Sub-Editor

How to embrace being single...

The phrase implies a black-and-white world. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride: always left behind, alone, while everyone else progresses in the game of life.

Simply put, the iconic phrase implies a world with two types of girls. Single girls and boyfriend girls. While I'm a lesbian, and this would automatically put me in the 'single girls' category, I would happily insert myself into the single girl world. I am a single girl. This isn't a new concept, to be clear, I am no pretentious philosopher for coming up with this, but I want to remind you that the single girl life isn't pitiful, lonely, upsetting, or anything that the sad girl complex would describe it as being.

romantic partner but by the presence of freedom, self-exploration, and self-love. To be single in a world that places romance on a pedestal is to constantly push back against the narrative that says you’re incomplete without a partner. The 'sad girl' stereotype tells us that the single life is something to escape from, a limbo where you wait to be chosen. But for many of us, especially those who embrace our singlehood, this couldn’t be further from reality.

The single girl’s world is vibrant, full of richness and possibility, not defined by the absence of a

"The

single girl isn’t waiting. She’s living—fully, unapologetically, and without reservation"

While coming to terms with myself as a lesbian, the single girl world seemed to be an idea, taunting me everywhere I turned - I took it for an enemy, posterboarding the inherent struggles that put a barrier between me and my straight friends. Before I came to terms with the pride of a single girl world, I would have told you it was proof that I was chronically lonely. Now, I

Do parental affairs shape how children approach dating in adulthood?

Callum Borkowski

Exploring the root of relationship anxieties...

The universal probing question from someone’s family ‘how’s your love life?” is something that every young adult is subjected to. For many, the dreaded question is always awkwardly avoided so as to not upset their family over the fact that they do not yet have new in-laws.

Navigating dating as a young adult can be exceptionally challenging, as it is largely based on a person’s lived experience of witnessing their parents’ relationship. If someone is fortunate enough to experience being a part of the ‘ideal’ nuclear family structure, their expectations for dating are generally hopeful. This group of people can optimistically hope to recreate the magic that kept their parents’ relationship strong when they began to explore dating. They are more likely to be open to the idea of a relationship and understand the happiness and stability that a loving relationship could bring to their lives.

"Parental affairs create immense insecurity and anxiety for young adults when they begin dating"

On the other hand, if a kid grows up (especially during their formative years) in the absence of a stable relationship between their parents, it will greatly impact their attitudes towards dating in their adult life. The consequences

of parental affairs surrounding dating begin to fully emerge during a person’s teenage years. When they reach a mature enough age to be told the full details of why their parents separated, it can completely deteriorate someone’s hopefulness about finding their ‘other half’.

Parental affairs

create immense insecurity and anxiety for young adults when they begin dating. Children of separated parents then have expectations that love is something they will not be blessed to experience. As a result, they are likely to become defensive to even the thought of dating because they do not want to risk repeating the situation that caused their parents to separate. They further develop presumptions that anyone they could potentially be dating is lying about their feelings and, therefore, are precautious, even at the earlier stages of getting to know someone. In the worst cases, the effects of parental affairs can invade their way into relationships. The victims of unstable parental relationships can feel that even though they have done the impossible thing of finding a partner. There is still a sentiment that they feel like they do not belong or deserve a happy relationship. However, enduring the troubles of parental affairs can somewhat be a blessing in disguise as it gives someone the lived experience and wisdom of knowing how to recognise ‘red flags’ in others and knowing who to avoid. Ultimately, this could improve their chances of finding the love that their parents never had.

am just a lesbian embracing the single girl world. The single girl isn’t waiting. She’s living—fully, unapologetically, and without reservation. She doesn’t view herself as a backup player, nor does she need a relationship to validate her worth. Her story isn’t defined by whether or not she gets to play the role of the bride someday. When I define the single girl, I define her relationship as one with autonomy. The freedom to love, hate, and explore her passions. It's not about abandoning all human relationships to escape from the complications, it's about embracing your own complications at your own pace. The independence isn't lonely, or a cliché to turn your face up at; nor is it an announcement that single people hate boyfriend girls. The independence is liberating.

"To me ... success is about personal growth, friendships, or simply living a life that feels authentic to who I am"

will define success based on love and romance, but for now, I am embracing what is here. My perspective on the single girl life is heavily due to my spirituality. Life as a single girl is about trusting the universe. Everything that is happening is meant to happen. I trust that I am meant to be shouting from the roof tops about life as a single girl for a reason. I trust that I am a single girl for a reason, you should too.

Success is what you make it, that much is true. The issue lies in the belief that a single girls success should be the boyfriend girls. To me (a proud lesbian single girl) success is about personal growth, friendships, or simply living a life that feels authentic to who I am. I'm sure one day I Image credit: Pixabay,

A love letter to my younger self

Sarah Tunstall - Head of Culture

Our Head of Culture shares a vulnerable love letter written to the past self...

Your smile is beautiful. Love that gap between your teeth, in some ways, you’ll end up missing it. Don’t be ashamed of your red hair. It is bound to centuries of heritage and love, and eventually, you’ll come to see a lot of people prefer it. When you stand, don’t feel the need to suck in your stomach. That pouch is healthy, fed and thriving. It never left, as much as people told you it would, and it is still beautiful. Embrace the freckles! There are some on your face that won’t budge. That large one on your nose is still your favourite.  You are intelligent. You are. But I promise you that eventually, you’ll realise intelligence doesn’t have to be the basis of your existence. You don’t need it to prove to others anything. Also, don’t get too comfortable with maths and science as your career. One day, it’ll turn itself on its head, and your love for books will come into full force. On that note, keep reading. The stares you get from the playground are worth it. Carry, love, and cherish those books you keep to yourself all the time. There will come the day you fall into writing. Keep that pen in your hand. Those little Harry Potter stories you write will lead you to more.  Wear the purple Doc Martens. No, they do not go with anything. At all. Really, at all. But they will continue to be an article of clothing you feel most confident with. All you will own are boots. And you will never truly walk properly in them, I’m sorry to say. You will still walk flat-footed. Boys' clothing is not restricted. You can wear those t-shirts if you feel like

it, clothing is not gendered. Boy’s clothes will be the least of your worries eventually. You’ll be more concerned over other things like this.  Feel your emotions. They are very strong for such a small child, but they are valid. I won’t tell you the word they will call it eventually, but when you come to find it out, it doesn’t have to take over you. It will be okay. As it always is.  Finally, continue to love those people in your life with as much love in your heart as you do. Hug Poppa, and Grandma, and Mum, and Dad, and Lilly. Do not feel embarrassed to hug. To love them. You are loved, and so love them in return. They will always have you, even if they don’t seem to be around.

With love,

Future Sarah x

OpenClipart-Vectors

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Uncovered: Newcastle’s northerner shortage

Dylan Seymour - Sport Sub-Editor

An exclusive report on whether local students feel respected at our university...

Edinburgh University student tabloid ‘The Edinburgh Tab’, and their comments on TikTok have raised significant concerns around the treatment of local students.

Comments that “god intended” there to be no Scottish students at the uni prompted the UoE’s Scottish Social Mobility Society to call out “deep rooted classism” and “exclusion” faced by domestic students. I spoke to local students and other northerners to see if a similar culture exists at Newcastle, and my findings were shocking.

Emily, a 19-year-old Politics and History student from South Tyneside, told me that “when I first moved in with my flatmates in first year, they refused to speak to me because they didn’t understand the way I and discussed her fear of speaking up in seminars due to her accent. “I think that it’s harder for local students to make friends, because there’s such a big difference between us and them, whether you want there to be or not”, she said. “People from

the North East feel isolated and alienated”.

a more positive outlook. Discussing her positive experience in ‘Deep North’ – a module about northern and Northumbrian literature, she argued that the university should offer more northern- “They refused to speak to me because they didn't understand the way I spoke”

Michael, a Marketing student, also 19, from Wallsend took a different, yet similar approach. He told me that knowing his way around the city was socially beneficial to him at first, but that retaining friends afterwards was a struggle.

“Being a local doesn’t exclude me from social gatherings, it’s more that people sometimes fail to realise that locals have their own way of life and it shouldn’t change”.

He argued that Newcastle was failing to offer itself as an attractive university for locals – “it seems many of us are pushed aside for the benefit of being a high prestige Russell Group University” – a damning indictment indeed.

“It seeems many of us are pushed aside for the benefit of being

a high prestige Russell Group University”

On the other hand, Jess, from Liverpool, had

the students I spoke to that there is a creeping hostility to northern identity in student culture, not just in Edinburgh but also Newcastle. It seems that locals and other northerners can

A wonderful Christmas Tyne: the most important Christmas dates in the Toon this festive season

Ellen Pinch

Need-to-know dates for your (advent) calendar...

I- Travel Sub-Editor takes place on Sunday 3rd November. Fenwick, Newcastle’s answer to Harrods in the North East, has been bringing the community together during the festive period for over 50 years. With previous years having brought us window displays featuring characters from The Chronicles of Narnia, Shaun the Sheep and Clarice Bean, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be bringing us our Christmas joy in 2024. If you can’t make it into town for the reveal, don’t worry, it will be streamed on Fenwick’s social media channels.

t may seem like that we’ve only just reached autumn, but with a cold snap in the air and lights going up in the city centre, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is only just round the corner in the Toon! For many of us the festive season means getting the train to York or Edinburgh to experience the famous Christmas markets, but Newcastle also has a lot to offer, with an abundance of activities and an expansion of the previous set-up having already been

“Fenwick has been bringing the community together during the festive period for over 50 years"

Christmas lights turn on

The observant amongst us will certainly have seen the preparations going on in the city centre to put up this year’s Christmas light display. With light displays across the centre, including down Northumberland Street, Grey Street and Bigg Market, the official turn on is going to take place on Tuesday 12th November. The event is a great way to kickstart your festive season, with friends or family, and see the city lit up in one of its most beautiful times of the year.

a trail with lots of different light installations to enjoy. The event is going to take place from November 22nd until

December 31st (with the exceptions of December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th and of course, Christmas day). The trail sold out last year, so run to get your tickets from the official Northern Lights website before they go. Christmas Markets  What better a plan than a stroll around the Christmas markets? What Newcastle’s markets may lack in size, they certainly make up for in charm and representation of local sellers, with the council continuing to commit to supporting an inclusive economy. From Saturday 16th November until Sunday 22nd December there will be festive stalls across Monument, Grey Street, Grainger Street with Old Eldon Square hosting a great selection of food vendors and a new section of family-focused stalls. This includes a new

carousel or check out the ten-metre tall illuminated Christmas tree. Additionally, Grainger Market will also be opening especially on Sundays, offering a further range of local traders and art and craft workshops led by a range of the city’s own.

Moosenwirt Alpine Bar

If you need a break from all the shopping, Moosenwirt is back by popular demand for another year. The bar will whisk you away to the North Pole with luxury igloos and its iconic yurt equipped with fire pits and cosy seating serving up mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, local ales and much more from Monday 18th November right up until the Thursday 2nd January. There will be an additional array of local bands playing every day from 3-6pm to sip along to. You can’t miss it!

“Moosenwirt will whisk you away to the North Pole with luxury igloos and its iconic yurt equipped with fire pits and cosy seating”

Ice Skating

A well established feature of Newcastle’s festive calendar, the Life Centre’s ice rink is also back. Located in Times Square next to Newcastle Central Station, the openair rink is open from Saturday 9th November until Sunday 5th January. Tickets are a little bit more pricey at £15 for an adult ticket and skate sessions running for an hour each, but it is well worth a trip. Just wrap up warm… Booking online is recommended so that you don’t miss out, especially during peak

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Has it gone too far? Why everyone is starting a podcast

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

It's time to put down the mic...

Being in the comfort of your own home or studio, sitting on a sofa or around a table with a friend or few, spewing out whatever nonsense comes to mind and getting paid for it is undoubtedly convenient and fun. However, it's important to self-reflect and recognise whether a podcast is truly for you or is it just an excuse to spout out all of your controversial (and most probably brutally offensive) 'hot takes'.

The concept of podcasts is great: an insightful discussion provided by people genuinely passionate about a particular topic. Hosts can express their opinions in what feels like an intimate chat thanks to the relaxed, conversational nature of a podcast. The accessibility and informality of a podcast are its selling points. As well as that, when done right, they're amazingly educational.

Despite all of these unique and interesting aspects, the recent oversaturation of what was once a niche form of media has led to an influx in hate speech that is gradually becoming normalised in podcast culture. With the lack of editorial oversight found in traditional media, podcasts have become a breeding ground for casual

racism and misogyny that constantly get dismissed as 'jokes'. By disguising these behaviours as free speech, it unfortunately creates an echo chamber in which racism and misogyny are not only tolerated, but celebrated. This can potentially influence especially younger, more impressionable audiences into thinking that these narratives are okay, when in reality they are incredibly harmful to marginalised communities.

“It's difficult to distinguish between well-meaning shows and cash grabs”

This abundance of podcasts adds to the issues that I have with them; it's now more difficult than ever to distinguish betrween a show made with well-intended commentary, produced by truly passionate hosts, and outright problematic ideologies or those just there for a cash grab. Of course, free speech is something that everyone is entitled to, but with podcasts becoming so popular and influential, allowing anyone the microphone exposes marginalised communities to risk of harassment and mockery. It's important to acknowledge that this is still a professional field and, therefore, groups of teenage boys who claim "men can cheat and still love their girlfriend" may not be the ideal candidates for this role.

More than a party city: Newcastle’s most underrated activities

Zain Safdar

Exploring Newcastle's sober social opportunities...

Newcastle has often been crowned one of the best cities for a night out; with its cheap pints, friendly atmosphere and abundance of clubs, it’s not hard to see why. However, Newcastle is more than just its pubs and bars and has many different activities than can cater to any interest. If you’re in need of some retail therapy after an intense week of lectures, the weekends in Newcastle give you an opportunity to explore its many different markets. Gracing the city every Sunday is the Quayside market housing food stalls, vintage clothing and handmade Additionally, you could hop on the Tynemouth and explore its market that’s hosted every Saturday and Sunday as well as taking a stroll along the beach whilst you’re there. Looking to reconnect with nature? That’s

possible too, Jesmond Dene is a popular place to take a stroll -with its beautiful woodland areas and waterfalls, it never fails to disappoint, and the autumn colours make it even more stunning at the moment. Another option is Ouseburn farm with its quirky atmosphere. Pigs, cows, and goats are ready to greet you, allowing you to feel like you’ve been transported straight into the countryside whilst still remaining a stone’s throw away from the city.

For the culture vultures, we are blessed with art galleries, theatres and music venues. The Baltic Art Gallery in Gateshead has plenty of contemporary art pieces and exhibitions to delight at, as well as campus' own Hatton Gallery - budding artists are never going to lack inspiration. The Theatre Royal hosts many amazing performances, with the ballet of Romeo and Juliet set to take the stage soon, as well as the hugely popular musical ‘SIX’ coming in 2025. Music is also catered for, with the Think Tank hosting many up-and-coming artists, and the Utilita Arena hosting global musicians.

If anyone is ever in need of a break from the uni nightlife, Newcastle can still offer any form of respite you may desire. It is definitely more than just a night out!

Paying it alone: how it's more expensive in life to be single Hobby Hub: Crochet

Singling out the 'singles tax'...

In theory, the freedom of being a oneperson household is awesome. This freedom, however, comes at a cost!

The first culprit of this is businesses, whether it's a double room that costs the same if you’re two people booking vs a single person, or a gym membership that offers a discounted couples rate. You can see this incentive everywhere: your phone company, a local restaurant, the theme park. Every company is trying to make a certain amount off you and they usually benefit from larger households. And if you’re shopping solo, they’ll be sure to penalise you for the lack of a second customer.

“The systems in place make it even worse for single people”

The next suspect has to be fixed unavoidable costs. When paying bills, the cost for a single person is estimated to be around 80-90% when compared to a household of two or more. This gets even worse for memberships such as Netflix, where, you pay the same no matter the number of people. Similarly, buying home items like

furniture and appliances is a much more significant burden when falling on one person. What's worse, the way everything is grouped forces you to buy too much for just you. We’ve all had that head of lettuce go bad on us because we couldn’t finish it in time.

“Even the government likes to remind you of your singleness. Adding insult to injury are schemes like the

marriage allowance...”

The issue goes deeper. The systems in place make it even worse for single people. If you're alone you get only a stingy 25% discount on council tax or a TV licence for £159 that is charged per household; even the government likes to remind you of your singleness. Adding insult to injury are schemes like the marriage allowance, which reduces a couple’s

All of these in the UK result in an annual 'singles tax' between £4,414 and £18,647. These figures don’t even account for lifestyle-related costs, which increase them to something more like £6,815 and £21,215 respectively. I’m no expert on fiscal policy, but that seems like a hell of a tax just for not having

Cheap, creative, calmingcrochet has it all....

Ilearnt how to crochet just over a year ago, much to my mum’s confusion.

My mum has crocheted the majority of my life; all of my scarves and hats in primary school were handmade by her, and if you happened to have had a baby in Warrington General Hospital 10 years ago, there’s a good chance that your baby came home wrapped in a blanket that my mum had made and donated. She even had an Etsy shop.

And time and time again, she would try to teach me. But I would always end up with my yarn in knots and what little work I’d managed completely lopsided, mumbling about how crochet is impossible- so I stayed away from trying at all costs.

But last year my best friend really got into it, and I mean really got into it… she got Carpel Tunnel once or twice. She consistently used a pink, blue, and white yarn that I always loved, seam-stressing hats and teddies for her younger siblings. I travelled down to London to visit her one week in summer, and upon my arrival she thrusted a ‘crochet starter kit’ in my hands that she’d put together for me, complete with hooks, yarn cutters, stitch markers, and a skein of the pink, blue, and white yarn.  By some wonder, she taught me how to crochet in two days. My mum was astounded, but it was even more astounding considering Abbey and I have opposite dominant hands, so she’d managed to teach me using a hand she didn’t even use. Starting with lines of single crochets, then to double crochets, onto granny squares- I was

immediately hooked, no pun intended.  Crochet truly quietens my mind. It takes focus that isn’t draining, but manages to override any buzz in your brain. The stitches are consistent and easy to remember, and the sheer catalogue of tutorials for new stitches and crochet ideas online are endless. I usually crochet at home, but, like any fibre art, the pastime is light and portable; where I used to carry a book in my bag that I would never reach for because of public noise, I’ve replaced with a skein of yarn and occupy myself on trains, buses, and planes- sometimes even my work breaks!

“Starting with lines of single crochets, then to double crochets, onto granny squaresI was immediately hooked, no pun intended”

But the best of all… crochet is extremely cheap, making it a hobby perfect for any student. A pack of £5 hooks will last you a lifetime, and skeins of yarn can start at £1.50 each. That’s all you need. As a student with a heavy workload, constantly having a project to work on outside of academia start and finish within a week makes me feel fulfilled and keeps my creative juices flowing, and having a hobby I practice daily be so budget-friendly is a huge bonus.  And Mum, if you’re reading this, I apologise for all of the huffs and puffs when you’d try to teach me. I understand the obsession now.

Zain Safdar

Sophie Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editor

Image credit: Ibrahim Rifath, Unsplash

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Image credit: Sophie Jarvis

Image credit: Christpher Down, Wikimedia Commons

Fashion & Beauty

The Angels and Devils of Victoria’s Secret: Progress and Pitfalls

Fashion's most controversial event has made its long-awaited return...but has anything changed?

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made its highly anticipated return on October 15 after a six-year hiatus, aiming to shake off its controversial past and reclaim its relevance in the fashion industry. Once criticised for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and a lack of diversity, this year’s show attempted a fresh approach. But has it done enough to satisfy a modern audience?

One of the most notable changes was the inclusion of models with a broader range of body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds. After years of featuring predominantly ultra-thin, white models, Victoria’s Secret made strides toward a more inclusive standard of beauty. Adding plus size and non-white models signalled that the brand was finally

responding to calls for diversity and body positivity, a crucial step forward.

Another critical shift was a move away from the overly sexualised nature of past shows. This year, models weren’t just there to look good; they were given a platform to showcase their personalities. This emphasis on empowerment over objectification was essential, particularly in light of previous criticisms. The show aimed to convey growth by fostering an atmosphere of female empowerment.

The 2024 Fashion Show also featured an all-female lineup of performers, underscoring the brand’s commitment to celebrating women. The event showcased diverse female artists, enhancing the show’s empowering atmosphere. By prioritising female performers, Victoria’s Secret reflected a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Despite these positive changes, the show maintained its signature sense of spectacle with elaborate sets, star-studded performances, and bold outfits. Fans of the old-school glamour were not disappointed, as the event balanced new messaging with its iconic high-energy vibe.

However, Victoria’s Secret’s legacy of promoting narrow beauty ideals

Met Gala 2025 theme unveiled

Courtney Knights

Everything you need to know...

As the fashion world builds anticipation for the 2025 Met Gala, it seems only appropriate that we unveil and decipher it's recently announced theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Before exploring the inspiration behind this, it was refreshing to see a Met Gala theme so full of appreciation for black style and its influence within the fashion world.

As stated by Vogue, the inspiration for 2025's theme laid heavily on Monica Miller’s 2009 book  Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Miller’s book focuses on black dandyism as both ‘an aesthetic and political construct’, telling us that 2025's Met Gala may hope to reflect on societal issues, such as race, through fashion. Miller’s emphasis on individuals expressing themselves through challenging societal norms hints that this year’s theme should endeavour to defy usual Met Gala standards

encourage the celebrity attendees to embrace their individuality.

“could we anticipate Zendaya showcasing a suit this year?”

Alongside Anna Wintour, the upcoming gala’s co-chairs have been revealed to be Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky, with LeBron James acting as 2025's honorary co-chair. Unlike previous Met Galas, this lineup features only black men – a huge step in the right direction regarding inclusivity in the fashion community. The lineup hints at a focus on menswear, so could we anticipate Zendaya showcasing a suit this year? Could we also expect Rihanna to make a return this year in support of her partner, A$AP Rocky, as co-chair?

With this theme, I would anticipate a vibrant display of colour, creativity, empowerment, tailored suits, bold patterns, rich textures, headpieces, and much more. Kylie Jenner paid tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, an iconic black male designer, at the 2022 Met Gala. This year, with the theme’s focus on Black style, could we see a revival of Virgil’s unique aesthetic on the carpet? I certainly hope so.

After unveiling 2025’s theme, it’s certainly evident that we can expect to see a celebration of Black tailoring and style, with testament to its creativity, culture, individualism and influence within fashion - I cannot wait to see it.

is challenging to overlook, and for many, this year’s show wasn’t enough to completely erase that history. While the diversity on display marked a step in the right direction, scepticism lingers around the brand’s sincerity.

inclusivity efforts came across as a box-ticking

Showcasing different body types is a start, but the real question is whether this signals a lasting shift in the company’s values or merely a temporary PR move. While welcome, some critics felt the inclusivity efforts came across as a boxticking exercise rather than a genuine commitment to meaningful change.

Moreover, Victoria’s Secret faces stiff competition from brands like Savage X Fenty, which have already set new standards for inclusivity. In comparison, Victoria’s Secret’s efforts to reinvent

Naomi Campbell faces charity fraud allegations

Welcome to the Winkleverse

Mia Wijayatilleke

How to add a sprinkle of Winkle to your wardrobe this fall...

CMarta Fojtel

The supermodel has been disqualified from acting as a charity trustee for five years...

Luxury hotels, spa treatments and even Naomi Campbell’s own personal security is what a Charity Commission inquiry has claimed that the supermodel's Fashion for Relief charity organisation was spending money on instead of relieving poverty and advancing education.

Following the investigation, Campbell claimed that despite being the face of the charity, she was unaware of how the money was being used. Does being the mere image behind a charity absolve her from taking responsibility for this incident due to lack of control? Moreover, is her five-year ban from being a trustee reasonable?

Fashion for Relief was founded in 2005 to raise funds for different humanitarian causes, including Hurricane Katrina, the Ebola crisis in Africa and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Charity fashion shows were held in several major cities such as London, Moscow and New York, with many notable figures taking part in them, including the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

The Charity Commission released a report detailing £290,000 of unauthorised payments made to one of Campbell's co-trustees, Bianka Hellmich. Both her and another trustee, Veronica Chou, were banned from participating in any charity

events, for nine and four years respectively. Most of these payments have now been recovered by the Charity Commission.

“Allegedly, only 8.5% of the charity's overall expenditure was on charitable grants...”

Another misconduct included a £12,300 flight in 2018 from London to Nice when moving art and jewellery to a fundraising event. Allegedly, only 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure was on charitable grants between April 2016 and July 2022 - a tiny amount to be donated from such a profitable organisation. Campbell refutes the report’s claim that she used the charity’s funds to cover her travel expenses, insisting instead that these costs came out of her own pocket. She promised to launch her own investigation into these claims and see what went wrong but is adamant that the report does not cover everything, including her claim that the luxury hotels were paid for by a third party. The charity was officially dissolved in March 2023, and the remainder of the money has since been used to pay debt or given to other charities.

To continue reading this article, head to The Courier Online...

Winkleman has one of the most distinctive styles in British television. Whether sparkling on Strictly, lurking at the table in The Traitors, or selling shampoo in that advert, Claudia is never without her unique outfits, dark eyes, and iconic fringe.

In a recent interview with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, Winkleman revealed that she strives to look like a “male, mature French student... Let’s call him Jean.” Here's how you too can make Jean your muse this winter and embrace Claudia's effortless, moody style.

Whilst not everyone can pull off a boxy black fringe and fake tan like Claudia can, there are many aspects of her style that are easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe, like fingerless gloves. Claudia is often seen on The Traitors fashioning fingerless gloves under long jumpers to add a subtle but stylish edge to her looks. Being both practical and cute, these gloves are a great affordable addition to your outfits. Although pricier, cashmere Turtle Doves are an alternative - perfect for slipping on under long sleeves and keeping your wrists warm, they could be a great thing to ask for, or gift, this Christmas.

“Ditch 'clean-girl' makeup and sleek eyeliner for a matte foundation and smudgy black eyes”

When compiling an outfit, think boxy on the top and skinny on the bottom. Channel Claudia’s looks with a big blazer and tight trousers, or chunky turtleneck knits with a short skirt and boots. Oversized garments are a staple; in a recent collaboration between Winkleman and Marks and Spencer on Instagram, a commenter asked what size jumper Claudia was wearing and received the reply “I think an M or an L. I can’t abide by an S x”.

To add a bit of Claudia to a night out, ditch ‘clean-girl’ makeup and sleek eyeliner for a matte foundation and smudgy black eyes. Claudia’s thick black liner and pale lipstick might seem a bit extreme, but a simple smoky eye pairs perfectly with a little black dress, and you can make it as subtle or smudged as you like. In the Winkleverse, yesterday’s mascara is today’s eyeliner!

Sasha Cowie

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

laudia

The rise of maximal fashion

Say goodbye to the millennial pink and greys...

This year has seen a multitude of fashion trends come and go, but perhaps none that have seemed to become such a new staple in our wardrobes like the bright colours and bold prints of maximalist styles.

In the after-effects of events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone has (joyously) come to realise that life is just too short to not wear what you want. Now, that clearly seems to take the form of indulging in and pushing the boundaries with our fashion; leaving the ‘greige’, monochrome and more conservative styles behind – because who has the time to waste in grey when you could be wearing hot pink, right?!

Designer brands such as Gucci and Versace have always been known for their more maximalist tendencies, but in recent years, this idea of ‘more is more’ has filtered down to the high street styles that are accessible for the everyday fashion consumer. This is available in chains and charity shops in the form of new textures, bolder designs and colours and prints we thought we’d left behind on the wallpaper of the 80s and 90s. Influencers have of course been a driving force behind this approach too, and two I particularly recommend following for inspiration in the maximalist vein are Wisdom Kaye and Eve Lily (@wisdm8 and @evelilycp on TikTok!).

They have a number of videos on how to experiment with style and choose different pieces based on the way certain textures and prints interact to help you out, but even if their style isn’t your cup of tea, it’s fascinating to watch how they think about fashion and layering with a “no boundaries attitude”. So, as much as we university students might poke fun at trends such as the brightly coloured Adidas Sambas or Spezials, a stripy print jumper, or the pop of colour in the addition of a skinny scarf or scrunchie. You cannot deny that it is just so much more fun to see more boldness in the fashion on our streets.

Even if you’re not quite as ‘outthere’ with your style, but still want to lean into the rise of maximalist fashion, why not try adding in either one bold colour, or one piece with a print into your next outfit –start small, leave the grey behind, and by 2025, you could be the next maximalist icon!

Environmental impacts of wearing fur coats

A guide to scaring Dalmatian owners this winter...

Nothing quite keeps you feeling toasty and timeless like being wrapped up in a big fur coat. Most iconically paired with a patterned tight, kitten heel and a bold lip, you’ll feel ready to strut right into London Zone 1. But are your Cruella vibes as chic as you think, or are you accidentally channeling your inner Hagrid…

Fur coats have always been a contentious staple piece, demanding attention and dominating an outfit. Despite their apparent gaudiness, they rarely slip from fashion, seeming to simply transfer between aesthetics whenever they border on overused.

Popular with old Hollywood stars, then 70s wannabe gangsters, 2000s McBling icons and now a cornerstone of the frazzled English woman aesthetic. A truly fluid piece!

"the many lives of a fur coat come with a price."

However, like with all immortality contracts, the many lives of the fur coat come with a price. The fur farming industry is disgustingly unethical and driving by capitalism. Biodiversity across Europe is eroded by the cruel capturing of wild mink, foxes, rabbits, and too many more animals. From there, they are kept in cramped cages

rife with disease and cannibalism until their culling, all for their small pelts. The environmental impact doesn’t end there, with the amount of energy used in the transportation, feeding, curing, and shipping processes causing even more pollution, damaging local environments and creatures. Waste run-off from these farms irreparably pollutes waterways across the globe. Unfortunately, many designers choose to ignore these threats to life, continuing to promote real fur looks on their runways and in their lookbooks. Just last month, PETA protested Creative Director Pharrell Williams’ use of fur coats and alligator skin in his Louis Vuitton collections to no avail. Similar companies like Canada Goose, Moncler, Marc Jacobs and more also turn a blind eye. By comparison, faux fur products have a smaller environmental impact. Still guilty of releasing microplastics and failing to biodegrade, the climate effects of these replicas are far less than real fur farming. If you’re looking for a cheaper and identical alternative, then this should be an option. Even more fun, vintage shopping! Car boot sales, Facebook marketplace, Vinted, eBay and more sell second-hand authentic fur coats by the hundreds. The only thing cooler than rocking a fur coat this

winter is posting the candids of you hunting for one at the car boot, chai latte in hand. And they come with the mysterious cigarette smell built in!

"Ethically hunting down these finds is a major part of fashionista culture"

Ethically hunting down these finds is a major part of fashionista culture, so if you want to earn your fur trimmings, then get scrolling. Sweeping afghans and fluffy leopard print coats are absolutely in style this winter. Embrace the maximalism of the mid-2020s with a new staple piece, and float around the city’s jazz bars on the ethical hand

Warm, worn and woolly: the cosy grandpa aesthetic

As the weather gets colder and our layers get thicker, we take inspiration from those who do it best!

Grandfather fashion has certainly made a name for itself this year, stomping in with their loafers, stealing the spotlight from cottage and coastal core. And with autumn on our doorsteps, the cosy grandpa aesthetic is about to take centre stage. The 'eclectic grandpa' is the new guy on the runway this fall, so let’s get acquainted!

Comfort, colour and corduroy are the things to remember when it comes to this trend. It’s all about layering, and with a winter in the North, you’ll be glad to hear it! Shirts and polos are the perfect base to build on. The grandfather aesthetic is all about wearable fashion, adopting the wardrobe of someone who lives a life of leisure. Baggy clothes are the best

way to achieve this look, so if your jeans pocket is big enough to fit a crossword book, you are doing something right!

“Oversized jumpers are here to stay, so why not get funky with them?"

We all know fast fashion companies feed themselves on micro-trends like this, destroying the planet one sweater at a time. But the ‘cosy grandad aesthetic’ is all about timeless fashion, recycling old pieces and investing in those we will still wear when we are grandparents! So, stay away from any fast fashion reinventions of our elders and hit the charity shops full of quality donated jumpers and suit trousers that will last for decades. Chunky cable knit and cool cardies are exactly what we are looking for. Oversized jumpers are here to stay, so why not get funky

with them? Harry Styles is the main man when it comes to the grandpa trend, styling fun patterns and bright colours with oversized slacks. He gives Emma Chamberlain - the queen of grandpa fashion, with her Chandler Bing-inspired sweater vests - a run for her money. What makes both of their styles so iconic is the way they add their own unique twist to vintage staples. Whether you opt for thickframed retro glasses or having the classic Casio watch up your sleeve, accessories are the best way to spice up your fit; adding a little more personality and a little less pensioner. And with our endeavour to be more climate cautious, why not breathe new life into the micro-trend pieces your wardrobe might've fallen victim to this year (yes, leopard print girls, this one's for you) to jazz up your outfit and make your style that little

Dressingfor your body type this fall

Dressing for fall just became so much easier...

The leaves have officially turned yellow and orange and we know what that means. It’s time to bust out all our fall fashion favourites. ‘Tis the season for layering, warm colours, and making the most of our winter wear. But as a fashion enthusiast, I still want my wardrobe to reflect my distinct sense of style, and I know you do too.

The key difference between wearing clothes and styling them lies in how you can customise your favourite closet finds to fit your unique taste and silhouette. So, I’ve gathered some helpful suggestions to help you showcase the best-dressed version of yourself in the colder seasons.

Firstly, try to figure out your geometrical body shape. Whether you’re an inverted triangle, rectangle, hourglass or diamond, it doesn't matter, as long as you have the right tools in your fashion arsenal to be dressed to the nines! A very important fact to consider here is that while you figure out your body geometry, make sure to identify your favourite features to highlight so that you can feel your best.

"Remember that you are the

best version of yourself"

Secondly, once you understand your body shape, you can discover the silhouettes and patterns that fit you best. Personally, being on the shorter side, I gravitate towards high-waisted pieces, vertical prints, and monochromatic outfits to balance my proportions. Whether your goal is to look taller, more streamlined, or more curvy, let your garments do the work for you. You can always explore fall outfit trends online - like corsets, long skirts or knee-high boots - and use them to your advantage by adapting them to your existing wardrobe.

Thirdly, try doing a colour analysis. This can help you figure out which shades and tones complement your skin, and highlight your appearance and the focal points that make you gorgeous. Incorporating accessories like coats, hats, caps or scarves in your personal colours can help you bring out your natural complexion and help with layering in a customised but fashionable way. This approach can help with your makeup as well!

Last but certainly not least, remember that you are the best version of yourself, and with the right tips and tricks, you can boost your confidence and be the most style-savvy person in the room. Try to mix and match pieces that work for you, and don’t be afraid to experiment and step out of your comfort zone this coming winter!

Molly Mallinder

Hannah Sexton

Dhwani Masand

Keira Gratton - Arts Sub-Editor

Image credit: Flickr, Heidi Mcdonald

Image credit: Pixabay, ClkerFree-Vector and christilove

Image credit: Michael, Flickr

Portuguese government to combat brain drain with tax breaks for under-35s

Oscar Jenkins - News Sub-Editor

The Portuguese youth exodus, how are the government encouraging them to stay?

The Portuguese government has announced measures to tackle an emigration epidemic amongst young people. This forms part of the country’s 2025 budget and is set to also apply to foreign workers employed in Portugal.

Tax breaks under the proposed scheme mean that under-35s would be granted a 100% tax exemption in their first year of work, up to €28,000 (£23,500). This would drop to a 75% exemption between their second and fourth year of work, 50% between fifth and seventh, and 25% between eighth and tenth. With the average salary in Portugal being €20,000, the scheme would be incredibly beneficial to young people - moving away from the fixed tax brackets for all adults set between 13% and 48%.

Changes arose after President Luís Montenegro’s snap-election victory in March 2024. His centre-

right party, the Social Democratic Party, ended nearly a decade of rule by Portugal’s Socialist Party and formed a minority-government. Montenegro’s message was clear: “Give young people the future they deserve”.

“Montenegro's message was clear: "Give young people the

The Emigration Observatory in Portugal reported that 850,000 young people (30% of 15-39 year-olds) have left the country at some point, for economic benefit and working opportunities. In the second-quarter of 2024, average unemployment in Portugal stood at 6.1% - amongst young people, Additionally, the Pew Research Centre also

reported that, in Portugal, over 7 in 10 young people still live with their parents. Due to the minority-government, the Socialist Party must abstain or the far-right Chega Party must vote for the budget. If neither of these scenarios happen the budget will fail to pass into law. The budget has been costed at €645 million - a key statistic which is likely to swing how parties decide to vote. Failure to pass the

Are we close to affordable space tourism?

Tommaso Sartori

Image credits: Pixabay

Solo travelling as a woman: how safety concerns shape our experiences

Ruby Tinkler

Can we find strength in female unity?

Solo travelling has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years and is projected to continue to do so. It’s easy to see the appeal; travelling alone grants you complete freedom to be spontaneous and live on your own terms.

However, as liberating as this is, solo travelling also has its dangers- especially for women. When surveyed on the obstacles of solo travel, 61% of women cited safety concerns as amongst their most significant considerations. As such, it is clear that concerns for safety influence how women can potentially be dissuade them from trying solo travel.

Though solo travelling is an aspiration I am yet to fulfil, my experiences travelling in a group have significantly influenced how I envision solo travelling as a woman to be.

"...there were occasions where our vulnerability as women became apparent."

Last summer, between finishing Sixth Form and starting university, I was lucky to go interrailing with a group of friends, all women.

Though as a group of 5 we benefitted from safety in numbers, there were

Adesire to finally unveil what lies beyond our horizon has always been a latent constant throughout the history of mankind, making space the epicenter of mythology, religions, beliefs, studies and ambitions. Less than a century ago space flight and space exploration were simply inconceivable, yet scientists like Tsiolkovsky had already paved the way for astronautics, managing to crystallize in a mathematical function the innate human drive to look further and further away.

The first stone in space exploration was laid in 1961, when Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin became the world’s first cosmonaut to be rocketed around Earth’s orbit. From then on, huge steps have been made toward sending humans beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Yet, in looking at space exploration there still is, up to this day, an element of exclusivity which cannot be taken out of the equation. very thought being able to see our planet from outside is, in fact, far-off concept to Repeatedly, however, has proven that pioneering has managed inconceivable

occasions where our vulnerability as women became apparent. In those moments, I was incredibly grateful for the support of my friends, and, looking back, I can see how those situations could have escalated had I been alone.

We opted to stay in hostels which have a very lively and social atmosphere, making them popular with solo travellers and groups alike. It was interesting to see the different attitudes that male and female solo travellers had towards their safety, as the men were largely more willing to be spontaneous than the women, not wanting to be caught out in an unfamiliar place.

Concerns for our safety were a unifying factor between the women, forming an instant understanding between us. Before nights out we all made sure to have a way to contact each other, in case we got lost. The same level of concern was not shared by the male solo travellers we met, who didn’t always think to consider such eventualities.

Although it’s sad that we live in a world where women especially have to imagine the worstcase scenario in order to protect themselves, this shared experience creates a unique connection and trust between people who have only just met. Everyone’s willingness to look out for each other put to rest some of the concerns I had for solo travelling, and I feel more confident in thinking about doing so.

A mix of advancements

interest of private companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX have made concepts which once belonged to the realm of science fiction, like space exploration and space tourism tangible.

As for all new products, the very concept of space tourism is closely tied to the inner circle of the world’s wealthiest individuals, who seem to be the only ones able to afford the prohibitive cost of a trip to the stars. Still, as private individuals like Elon Musk keep on looking for new and innovative ways to make space exploration more efficient and less expensive, there is no doubt that the cost of booking a ticket to space is expected to gradually decrease, becoming more affordable to more people. SpaceX’s monumental achievement in managing to successfully catch a booster returning to Earth after a flight test is just the beginning. Not only was this event a milestone for future space flights, but it brought to life the very mission of SpaceX, which was, and still is, to reduce the cost of space travel by developing a fleet of reusable vehicles. Needless to say that when it comes to the cost of space flights, one of the main items of expenditure is the one related to the rocket’s construction. What SpaceX is trying to do is level this cost down by managing to reuse a rocket, sliding away from the traditional practice of designing rockets for single-use missions.

The next chapter in the history of space exploration and space tourism is yet to be written, but what we can be sure about is that the future of space promises to be an era of unknown discovery, expanding and redefining our horizons, and how privileged we are to live in a time of such infinite possibilities.

Oktoberfest: just a brew-tiful tradition?

Does the folkish festival really tap into German heritage?

There’s nothing quite as jarring as stepping into your local only to get jeered at by a bunch of 19th century lumberjacks. Except maybe the worse realisation that it’s the rugby team in disguise.

Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Munich since the 1800s, and expanded internationally in the following years. The excuse to drink litres of beer at a time was adopted unsurprisingly quickly across Europe, as were the traditional peasant dress, blonde plaits, and massive pretzels.

But do any of the salty snacks or fairground rides actually have anything to do with Germany today? Sure, they still love their beer, but how long has it been since Deutschland swapped out the dirndls for leather harnesses and chromatic rave shades.

In fact, whilst many of us associate Oktoberfest with all of Germany, most of its traditions take inspiration purely from Bavarian culture. Bavaria is now the largest free state in Germany and was once its own colourful kingdom with a rich folk scene. This technically makes Oktoberfest older than Germany itself, starting in 1810 whilst Germany was only unified in 1871.

If you visit Munich’s Oktoberfest now, it stays true to its Bavarian roots with traditional dress and local breweries. However, the festival also now celebrates a unified nation and welcomes guest from across the globe to tour into its cavernous beer tents.

The international spawn of Oktoberfest are perhaps not so authentic. Cities across Europe have adopted the festival, celebrating each year with their own spin. Across the UK Oktoberfest is synonymous with pub crawls and pints in parks, blending Bavarian food and drink with whatever takeaway is round the corner. I can’t promise the beers quite pass the German purity laws…

How cost-effective is EU interrailing?

For most students, travelling around the world seems like a pipe dream. With rent, groceries, and bills piling up, the concept of travel can feel unattainable. However, some forms of travel, like interrailing, are more affordable and accessible for students...

If you haven't been interrailing yourself, you'll probably know someone who has. It's a trendy way to travel these days, with many students choosing to take gap years to save up and interrail across the continent, or back-pack during their summer breaks.

enabled us to travel on 5 separate days within one month for just €239, or £199. (Note: you can only purchase one of these passes if you live in Europe). Seat reservations are not included, so if you want to secure a seat, you need to pay an additional fee of £20-30 per train.

Paying just under £200 to travel to up to 5 countries is an amazing deal, compared to flying- from Newcastle Airport a one-way flight to Paris can cost up to £100 during peak times.

If those litres of Strongbow sound appealing to you, Newcastle’s own Oktoberfest is taking place on Friday 25th at 6pm, in Times Square at The Life Centre.

To conclude, no, Oktoberfest isn’t that representative of German culture and heritage. But, the sense of national pride it inspires and tourism it brings to the country are surely more than enough to make up for that. A fun European tradition with sausages and day-drinking, get a pint in this week in honour of the Free State of Bavaria.

Interrailing allows you to visit multiple locations within a set period, efficiently travelling from place to place. It's a simple, exciting way to travel, though it can be intense and tiring. But is it really the cheapest option for students?

I went on my own Interrailing trip this summer with a friend, starting in London and visiting Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels within a week. The main cost came from purchasing an interrailing ticket. We bought ours through Interrail Eurail, a website that enables you to interrail across Europe. It helps you plan out your desired trip and choose the best pass. To travel to two or more countries, you'll need a Global Pass. We chose a 5-day Global Pass, which

Once you have your Eurail passes and seat reservations, the only other cost considerations are accommodation and food/ general spending. Choosing to stay in youth hostels will save you a lot of money; we spent a maximum of £120 each on accommodation throughout our trip.

In total, that's less than £400 per person for five days of travel and cheap accommodation, leaving the rest of the budget for food, souvenirs and any activities.

For under £500, students can enjoy a week of interrailing, making it cheaper than flying and staying in hotels (which can add on necessary costs). Though it may take a bit of saving up to have the interrailing trip of your dreams (as £500 is still quite a bit of money!), it's certainly a student-friendly way of travelling across Europe.

Lessons from my Year Abroad in France

Our writer shares his lessons learnt from teaching in a tiny French town to working in a Parisian office...

Last year, I spent 7 months teaching English at a private Catholic primary school in a small French town called Macon- after that, I moved on to work in an office in Paris for 3 months. The entire experience was immensely informative of how different walks of life tread the earth, and taught me valuable lessons on what I can do to make sure I’m walking to my own beat and not getting swept away by time’s relentless progression. Here are the three biggest things I learnt.

1. Small town life is not for me. Living in Macon was many things, but exhilarating wasn’t one of them! With its population of around 30,000 people (including the surrounding villages), Macon was just too small for me. This caused a few problems, such as finding accommodation and things to do in the hours when I wasn’t working. However, my French improved dramatically as it was harder to find someone who spoke English. But the best part? Living in the wine country meant I got a new appreciation for a drink I used to despise. I can now snobbishly tell people what they should and shouldn’t drink.

2. A job I enjoy is essential. I felt that working as a teacher in Macon meant that I was working more than anyone else in the entire town, despite myself and everybody else having Wednesday's off from working. Wednesdays, Fridays, Mondays, strikes. I don’t think I would’ve minded such a leisurely town if I was doing a job I enjoyed, but, truthfully, I wasn’t. I didn’t find teaching the rewarding people often say it is; it made me realise that if I’m going work a job 5 days a week until I’m 65, then I have to love what I’m doing. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Life is what you make it. Moving to Paris was just what I needed. A big dose of life that filled my gasping lungs. Going out somewhere different every night became a ritual and Paris delivered on every front; museums, gigs, night clubs, restaurants, wine by the seine, picnics in the park. Everything I could do, I did. I gained a new appreciation for life. It taught me that if I wanted to come back to Newcastle and feel like I never left Paris, I had to start taking advantage of what was on offer in the city- and I have. Trying new things and exploring the culture in Paris brought me just as much joy as being in Paris in general did.dc So, my new life hack for returning to Newcastle: if I just live like I am in a different country for a short amount of time and try everything I can, then I will live a much happier life.

Keira Gratton - Arts Sub-Editor

Image credit: Picryl

Matthew Miers-Jones

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: Matthew Miers-Jones

Food & Drink 22

Bonfire Night staples

Zain Safdar

Bonfire night classics to keep you going through the fireworks...

When the sun sets on the 5th of November, there is only one right way to celebrate Bonfire Night: with fine food and cosy drinks.

To satisfy your cravings throughout the night, you’ll need to equip yourself with snacks. A traditional classic in this regard would have to be Parkin Cake, a spiced gingerbread cake. Its rich and warming flavours, along with a dollop of whipped cream or custard, will keep you feeling nostalgic. Next up, a personal favourite of mine with any bonfire is marshmallows. They are not only delicious but also garner major bragging rights if you learn the ancient art of roasting them. While it is great to indulge, let’s not forget about our health by having some fruit. Always remember, a toffee apple a day gives your doctor mixed signals. When thinking about the main, think sausages and sometimes potatoes. Craving a British classic, try sausages with mash, peas, and gravy with a side of bonfire toffee. The brittle toffee adds

a sweet crunch to keep things exciting. Want a one-hand wonder? Look no further than a classic hot dog, or if you’re feeling a little more fancy,

onion

hot dog. Adding a brioche bun can also add a level of sophistication in case you’re trying to impress a special someone. The options are limitless. The hot dog formula can also be remixed

by making a Catherine Wheel sausage burger. This is a burger in which the patty is replaced by a long sausage that is made into a spiral and skewered before cooking to keep it in shape.

“A night of eating that is highly nutritious for your happiness”

Foody Focus

Pure Knead

Now if nothing tickles your fancy, you can always dig into a jacket potato with toppings only limited by your imagination. Finally, when you think of drinks, think of warm and cozy. And I hope when you thought of warm and cosy, you thought of mulled wine and hot chocolate! Red wine gently simmered with cinnamon, star anise, whole cloves, and orange peel makes a mulled wine that’d make you wish it was Christmas already. Hot chocolate varies vastly; decisions whether to add milk or cream, chocolate or cocoa, marshmallows or not come down to personal preference. I’m not one to impose hot chocolate laws. I hope you now feel well equipped for a night of eating that is highly nutritious for your happiness.

Soup recipes that will warm your heart

Aerin Harrison

Food for the soul: the best soup recipes for the upcoming cold days...

It’s the season of frozen fingertips, chattering teeth, and dragon’s breath in the icy air. Your hats, scarves, gloves, and radiators are working fulltime to ease the season’s chill, but sometimes the soul needs a little warming too. For when hot chocolate won’t cut it, here are 3 recipes to soothe the soul, tried and tested by yours truly. Starting with a classic, the noble vegetable stew. Brown some chopped onion, celery, and garlic in a pot with oil, salt, pepper, a bay leaf, and rosemary. Chuck in some roughly chopped vegetables – I recommend carrot, potato, cauliflower, and kale – and cover with stock, simmering until cooked through. Add a teaspoon of marmite (trust me),

an optional splash of red wine, and a touch of Encona if you like a little heat. Finish with chickpeas or butter beans and crusty bread, or pour over toad in the hole for a rustic take on Sunday dinner.

If you’re searching for a cold-busting cure, look no further than the ‘Italian

with an optional parmesan rind for added flavour. Simmer until cooked, remove the rind, and garnish with parmesan and black pepper. You can even stir in a whisked egg before serving for a hearty hit of protein.

"Sometimes the soul needs a little warming too"

Esther Arnold - Food and

Drink Sub-Editor

The first of our new reviewing series, find out more about one of Newcastle's tastiest sweet treat spots...

When you're in need to decompress from a hectic day at uni, Pure Knead definitely has what it takes. Originally starting out at Tynemouth Market in 2015, owner Paula Wilson began baking her wondrous treats from her kitchen at home. Now, thanks to the support from Newcastle’s fine community, she was able to having a shop in Whitley Bay and her bakery on Street. Offering artisan bread to die for, as as chunky sourdough sarnies, the cakes and bakes aren’t the only things to sample when wandering towards the Quayside. Heading down Dean Street the other day, I peered through their little window into heaven and was instantly persuaded to treat

Here's one for lasagna lovers short on energy and time. Add chopped onion, garlic, celery, mushrooms, and vegan mince to a pot with oil, salt, and pepper with a bay leaf, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste until browned. Throw in a tin of chopped tomatoes and passata, some stock, a splash of soy sauce, chopped carrots, and kale, and simmer until cooked through. Break up some lasagna sheets and simmer until cooked, or use tortellini for an even more robust meal.

Top with vegan ricotta, parmesan, and basil for the ultimate lasagna soup, perfectly paired with garlic bread. Remember, if you’re in a rush you can always jazz up tinned soups with additions like herbs, spices, cheese or nutritional yeast, croutons, and scrumptious sides like toasties. Nevertheless, whether heated or homemade, I hope these recipes bring you comfort this season of the soup.

through the sharp blackberry and apple compote. The culprit for this rosemary carefully placed on top of the cream. Such small additions as these can elevate a flavour tenfold, as it did in this case. The Chantilly, smooth and delicate, brought a luxurious richness which dreamily complimented the tart fruit filling. A final touch of a thin and crisp baby apple slice and a sprinkle of sweet cinnamon crumble topping added the extra fairy dust to perfectly contrast with the velvet of the cream topping. All in all, Pure Knead delivered a deliciously wondrous experience packed astonishingly into a small pastry casing. With no pointers to improve the Danish itself, perhaps some better ambiance for the seating inside would truly elevate this Newcastle gem. This is not, however, enough to prevent me from hungrily returning soon.

Image credit: Pixabay @Couleur

Image credit: Pixabay @rayce

Image credit: Pixabay @midora

Image credit: Pixabay @satheeshsankaran

Image credit: Pixabay @joseph_alban

penicillin’, pastina, a simple soup that’s done faster than a sneezing fit and perfectly suits the season of starlit nights. Finely chop onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and soften in a pan with oil, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Add some stock and your little pasta stars, along

Image credit: Pixabay @22763505

Interview with I Digress

Erin Reid -NSR Station Manager

t NSR we have had another few weeks of successful shows! It’s been amazing to see everybody’s ideas come to life. On Saturday we did the music for the Stu Brew ten-year birthday bash which was a great success. We also have started to move forward in the planning of new socials.

After reading week you an expect many more events as we get into the swing of everything, and we can’t wait to get started on some exciting new things now everyone has been trained up. If you would like your own show, limited slots are available at the weekend first come first serve to people who send us a dm. formal show applications will reopen over Christmas and new timetable will start when we start back in January. However, if you don’t have your own show, you are still welcome to come to all the events and socials we plan on hosting in the coming weeks!

This week I spoke to I Digress about their radio show. I Digress started last year with hosts Amy and charlotte and were even shortlisted for NSR show of the year at the Student Media Awards 22/23.

What is your favourite memory or moment from being on air?

Our favourite moment on air so far has been when we had our beloved Trinity and Sophie and Keira join us for a special show and we rated met gala looks!

What is your favourite part of being involved in student media?

We’ve loved the flexibility and creativity that having a show on NSR offers – letting us yap about what ever is interesting us or the latest pop culture drama for a whole hour a week whilst playing our favourite songs is a dream come true! All whilst getting some really amazing experience with using radio equipment.

Why should we listen to I digress?

On I Digress we always aim to make it feel like you’re having a gossip with us over a cup of tea or a pint. Whilst staying true to that, this year we’re focusing on fine tuning the show to be even more smooth running and professional. We hope you’ll listen along!

Top music recommendations?

We’ve got to recommend our signature song, Mr Vain by Culture Beat.

Updates from NUTV

Alicia McEvoy -NUTV Station Manager

Hi everyone! Alicia from NUTV here (again). The team has been busy behind the scenes, learning about our equipment and the process of streaming - making sure everything is ready for the year. We’ve also been talking to other TV stations across the country through NaSTA (National Student Television Association), to learn what works best for them and how we can adapt NUTV to make it the best station we can. As always, keep an eye on our socials - we’re going to

Image credit: Charlotte Burley-Hnat and Amy Mescus

The Apprentice Review: 'A Nation of Men, Not Laws'

Erin Robinson

The Apprentice film, an American Horror Story...

Astory of insurmountable hubris, America’s worst man and some incredible costuming - The Apprentice is an intimate and thought-provoking biopic of the 2024 presidential candidate, Donald Trump. Sebastian Stan gives a compelling and accurate performance of Trump, with uncanny mannerisms and a gradual transformation into the man we love to hate. His performance lures you in with the pretence of a naïve and pathetic young man, to throw any empathy it developed right back in your face when he revealed his true colours. Stan’s Trump is true to life - disgusting, off-putting and sleazy being three sugar-coated descriptors of the film’s protagonist.

“ The Apprentice is a film that grips and shocks an audience. ”

Manipulative and ruthless, Roy Cohn manages to steal the show, and Jeremy Strong gives a stand-

Fout performance. Roy Cohn nurtures young Donald Trump into his cruel adult persona in a corrupted father and son relationship, where eventually Trump takes a large chomp out of the hand that feeds. Strong’s portrayal of an evil lawyer who eventually suffers from HIV/AIDS is compelling, as the audience leaves the theatre feeling sympathy for a man who has done nothing but ATTACK, ATTACK, ATTACK for the past two hours. he film takes a confusing and interesting dive into Trump’s family life, presumably to humanise and contextualise the actions of a political villain. Whereas the film is intriguing, it lacks a strong political point. Is its purpose to make us empathise with such an awful human? Or is it to lead us into a closer relationship with him so that we are betrayed when he transforms into his worst self?

The production and release of The Apprentice is convenient, with the US presidential election only weeks away - was

Underrated Music Biopics

ollowing the unfortunate release of the trailer for  Better Man, where Robbie Williams inexplicably appears to have rewritten history to become a reused CG monkey from  The Planet of the Apes, it’s increasingly apparent that there has been a swell of middling music biopics coming out in the last few years looking to cash in on the goodwill of musicians.

With an unlicenced Bowie biopic not far behind us, and Timothée Chalamet about to don the cap and scarf as Bob Dylan, it seems like a good time to look back on some of the better biopics of the last 20 years.

Control (2007):

Punctuating Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis’ short and chaotic life with ill-advised trips to the pub, Control charts the turbulent rise to fame of the Manchester band. This pairs excellently with an uncanny Curtis in lead actor Sam Riley, who gives an all-time great performance as the tortured (as label-owner Tony Wilson remarked) ’romantic hero’. The film is black and white, appropriately monochrome for both the band and the subject matter as Curtis’ life becomes more suffocating. Having said this, Curtis’ actions are portrayed refreshingly unsympathetically, a far cry from some modern biopics, where the subject is very much alive and controlling the production process. Well worth a watch for any film or Joy Division fan, and for one happy customer’s opinion on hot dogs.

Love & Mercy (2014):

Far from the streets of Manchester, Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy depicts the artist’s struggle with schizoaffective disorder at the height of The Beach Boys’ fame, all whilst

creating his masterpiece Pet Sounds. The role of Wilson is shared between John Cusack and internet darling Paul Dano, playing the 80’s and 60’s version of Wilson respectively. Although the chasm between the two can seem quite large (it being hard to see the two actors as the same character), the non-linear storytelling that bridges the narratives culminates in a needle-drop that is unequivocally beautiful.

Walk The Line (2005):

In perhaps one of the most captivating performances in a biopic, Joaquin Phoenix becomes Johnny Cash in Walk The Line. The chemistry between Phoenix as Cash and Reece Witherspoon as June Carter is electrifying, an energy which soars all the way through to the enactment of the infamous Folsom Prison concert. The performances are a triumph, letting the film stand alone as an outstanding romance even if it was to be divorced from its real world inspiration. If not for the direction of Logan’s James Mangold, Walk The Line is a must-watch in the wake of both the biopic and the country music renaissance.

Honourable Mentions:

It would be wrong to cover biopics of famous musicians without mentioning some other heavy hitters. 2019’s Rocketman was a smash hit, in no small part thanks to Taron Egerton’s performance as Elton John in this beautifully bombastic display of debauchery. Although perhaps running the risk of Sir Elton’s very much still alive hand rewriting history, the film is still an honest bare-all to the artist’s struggle with drugs, fame, and his own sexuality. Similarly, Baz Luhrmann’s typically dazzling affair in 2022’s Elvis is a brutal look into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s ensnarement by his manager Colonel Tom Parker, and the turbulent spiral that led to Elvis’ untimely death. It also has a Doja Cat needle-drop, if that’s your sort of thing.

the purpose of this film propaganda? Will the empathy it strikes lead to an election victory, and if so, should a Kamala biopic have been produced?

With its incredibly intimate handheld cinematography and some incredible The Apprentice is a film that grips and shocks an audience. It provides a revealing insight into the life of ‘sadistic, inhumane conservatives’ and their illicit dealings in the name of power. It was an invite into the psyches of the self-centred, capitalistic, indecent men who run America - from the 1980s to 2024. These men, who consider themselves genetically prone to ‘killer instincts’ in business, are platformed and celebrated by audiences who believe that America’s founding ethos is ‘You have to be willing to do anything to anyone.’ Absolute power corrupts absolutelysomething audiences can learn from the life story of Donald J Trump.

What are we watching?

This week's film suggestions from our sub-editors

Alex:

The Wild Robot (2024)

The Wild Robot is the latest one from Dreamworks Animation and apparently their last one made in-house – if it is, they went out with a bang! This is one of their best films ever, with stunning animation, sharp humour and an emotionally-charged story that gives Pixar a run for their money. While I never really grew up with Dreamworks, it’s good to know that they can really deliver when they want to. Go check it out when you get the chance!

Charlotte:

Fish Tank (2009)

If you can get your hands on one film this week, make it Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank. The film is about Mia, a rebellious yet socially isolated teenager living on a council estate with her single mother and younger sister. Things get messy when the lines between Mia and her mum’s new boyfriend (Micheal Fassbender) begin to blur. Arnold paints a crushing portrait of self-discovery, youthful naivety and disappointment which keeps you rooting for Mia until the very end.

Buzzkill: how is bad word of mouth ruining movies?

Joker: Folie A Deux and Megalopolis were two of this year's most anticipated releases. One is the sequel to one of the most talked-about comic book movies in history, the other the apparent swansong one of cinema's legendary directors. Upon their release however, both found themselves floundering at the box office, overshadowed by unlikely indie victors such as Terrifier 3. Why is this the case?

There's a multitude of reasons really. The first Joker was always a controversial film. For every person that loves it, another sees it as a terrible and even offensive portrayal of the iconic Batman villain. Therefore, many were turned off by the idea that, not only would it be getting a sequel, it was also to be a musical starring Lady Gaga? Alarm bells were surely ringing. Discussing why Megalopolis flopped is even more complicated. The decadeslong passion project of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, he constantly disagreed with studios regarding the film's potential, and ended up selling off one of his wineries just to finance the film, leading to the high budget of 120 million. Add in a trailer comprised of AIgenerated critics' quotes, allegations of unprofessional behaviour by Coppola on set, and you have an uncontrollable storm of bad PR. With those circumstances, it's

almost designed to flop, but not quite this much. Nearly a month since its release, it has grossed just 11.5 million. For those who don't know, a film needs to gross at least 2.5 times its budget to be considered a success, so Megalopolis very much isn't.

However, all these complications dance around the main reason why these films have floppedbad word of mouth.

Megalopolis and Joker: Folie A Deux have been around many film festivals before their wide release, and both were met with extremely divisive reactions. Critics couldn't decide whether Megalopolis was a misunderstood work of genius or a bewildering creation, and Folie A Deux was deemed an unnecessary bore. However, these opinions are being taken as gospel more and more with the added presence of social media. The amount of TikToks I saw of people trashing these films before they even saw them was overwhelming. If these TikToks are getting so much traction, it's easy to assume that people are seeing these videos and deciding not to see the films for fear of disappointment.

I have seen both Joker 2 and Megalopolis. I thought Joker 2 was a frustrating but well-intentioned risk, and I thought Megalopolis was an utter mess. However, I don't want my opinion or anyone else's to influence yours, or the film's box-office returns. Just because a film is a flop at the box-office doesn't mean it's garbage. And just because some critics don't take kindly to it, doesn't mean you won't either. Don't let social media decide whether a film's a flop or a success. That's up to you.

Alex Paine and Charlotte Thompson

Image credit: IMDb

Here are five music film recs you might not have heard of...

Ryan Walsh

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

Dancing back in Tyne: flourishing folk dance night announces new spin-off shows Blossoms

Bertie Kirkwood - Music Sub-Editor

New development in Newcastle's folk scene to focus on traditional European dances...

Close your eyes at one of DIY Ceilidh’s monthly events and it’s easy to imagine you’re in a buzzing medieval tavern, dancing patrons screaming with joy over a raucous folk jig. It’s a joyful, enthralling gathering that has become an integral part of Newcastle’s folk scene despite only having launched two years ago.

For the uninitiated, a ceilidh is a traditional Scottish and Irish social gathering, and a menace in the spelling bee (it’s pronounced KAY-lee). It’s essentially a folk music concert where each song begins with a ‘caller’ teaching basic choreography to the crowd, before

stepping back and letting glorious mayhem ensue.

“We’re probably one of the biggest regular ceilidhs in the UK right now,” co-founder Jo Feijó told me. We met to discuss an exciting new development for the DIY Ceilidh: a spin-off night centred on balfolk, a form of folk dance widespread in continental Europe.

The balfolk night promises to be a less chaotic, more dance-oriented alternative to the ceilidh. “The level of intimacy and surrender that is allowed within balfolk is very different [to the ceilidh]. It’s very much: let’s just close our eyes and listen to the music for a bit,” Feijó said. It’s to be hosted by The Black Swan on Westgate Road, which he says is “really gorgeous – you just can’t beat it”.

Balfolk grew in popularity during 1970s folk revival whilst England remained stuck in its ways with its energetic reels and jigs. “Balfolk is a lot quieter, a lot calmer, a lot more intimate,” Feijó says. He fell in love with it growing up in Portugal, and is keen to spread his passion to English audiences.

Along with Feijó’s balfolk dance expertise, the new night will feature some members of the Hearken Quartet, a local band specialising in European folk music. Band leader Sam Baxter says Newcastle’s Folk and Traditional Music degree – the first of its kind in

England – is a big factor in the strength of the city’s folk music scene. “Nearly everyone in the [ceilidh] band has gone through the folk degree,” he says, which includes co-founder Frankie Insley and Baxter himself. "Northumberland's one of those places that hasn't changed a lot," he adds. "It's very isolated and rural, and those are the perfect conditions for preserving oral traditions". Being close to folk-loving Scotland also helps. As well as developing the local folk scene, DIY Ceilidh aims to foster a strong sense of community. “The ethos of the DIY Ceilidh is that theoretically anyone can come and join the band,” Baxter emphasises. Inclusivity is a high priority for him, and his passion for folk music is contagious. “It [the ceilidh] is a special thing,” he remarks. “It’s delightful and we love it.”

DIY Ceilidh’s Balfolk Night: European Dance for Chill Folk launches on 21 November at the Black Swan at 6pm, pay as you feel on the door. The next ceilidh is on 9 November at the Lubber Fiend. For more info, see @diy.ceilidh on Instagram.

The brains behind He.She.They:

Steven Braines on his club night series arriving in Newcastle

Phoebe Clark -

Arts Sub-Editor

Founder of LGBTQ+ inclusive club nights aims to boost city's queer club scene..

In between giving panel talks at the the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Steven Braines, the co-founder of the award-winning international inclusive club event He.She.They., spoke to me about the organisation as well as his unstoppable passion for diversity and inclusion.

Firstly, Braines told me about his experience growing up in Sunderland and the lack of diversity or any infrastructure to facilitate representation, meaning that the realisation that he was bisexual came very late on. As Sunderland lacked a queer nightlife scene, Newcastle became a more multicultural escape as clubs were an important space for LGBTQ people to meet in a safe space or find partners at a time before apps like Grindr were an option. This segregation of space and people based on sexuality is an aspect of clubbing that Braines, and cofounder Sophia Kearney, wanted to combat through He.She.They.,

creating not just "safe spaces" but "brave spaces". Places where someone of any background can meet people from all walks of life and create bonds that break down barriers and misconceptions, where humanity is afforded to all genders, races, sexualities, and religions, all facilitated by fantastic house and techno. The organisation’s success lies not simply in the music, but also how fun plays a central role in Braines' vision for change. The events feel lively and pumped with an energy that radiates through everyone in the audience.

"...where humanity is afforded to all genders, races, sexualities and religions..."

Braines was keen to mention that the lineups are not in any way exclusionary. Just like the record label of the same name, talent is the main factor when picking the DJs, then shuffled accordingly so that there is a diverse mix of artists in every lineup. The dancers and performers also vary in body size, shape, race, and background, contrary to the majority of gay and straight clubs which pander to the male gaze. This representation onstage reflects the myriad of people in the audience and gives power and agency to anyone who feels marginalised in other spaces.  He.She.They. is a powerhouse of

an organisation, recognised for its importance in the dance music scene by being invited to host a show on BBC Radio 1 Dance. Braines was delighted at the opportunity to widen its audience and therefore its impact. "Radio 1 means that we are centralising inclusivity. It is not something on the sidelines but an issue that should be center stage," Braines said. Coachella, Glastonbury, Creamfields and so many more have also felt the grace of He.She.They.

Already in 22 countries, I was intrigued as to what the next steps are for Steven and Sophia, and where their passion and creativity would take them. "There are always more countries, we are expanding into more of Europe as well as Central and South America!" he said. Braines’s zealousness meant that he was nominated for LGBTQ Leader of the Year at the National Diversity Awards, a major and welldeserved achievement. ‘"As a Sunderland kid who was unsure of who he really was, this is a massive honour," he said. He described the move from working in the record industry to doing something that he loves, with a social responsibility, as a full circle moment and highly rewarding. Steven’s vision for creating change through facilitating conversations for seamless diversity will lead him into whatever field he directs his attention to, be it TV, film, or even education. Whatever

industry he graces his passion and drive with will undeniably feel his impact and reap the benefits.

"Coachella, Glastonbury, Creamfields and so many more have also felt the grace of He.She.They."

The Manchester band's nostalgic indie tracks proved a hit with the student crowd...

Blossoms made their return to Newcastle's City Hall for their sold out gig on 17th October after two years away to kick off the 'Gary' tour - and what a return it was. Marking the first show of their UK tour leg, the crowd-pleasing set list comprised songs from all five of their albums, a third of which were unsurprisingly from their latest, ‘Gary’, released just under a month ago. Highlights from the album were ‘I Like Your Look’ and ‘Big Star’. For the latter, charismatic frontman Tom Ogden fondly remembered his encounter with the man who inspired the song. Ogden’s stage presence was outstanding, from his eclectic outfit, dancing around the stage, to the perfect amount of crowd interaction without it feeling like a comedy show rather than a gig. Blossoms undeniably presented a more mature sound, both lyrically and with their production, with the release of ‘Gary’, almost transitioning from the indie rock genre to indie pop. Yet they still managed to engage their youthful side in nostalgic songs like ‘Honey Sweet’ and ‘Getaway’, which soundtracked much of the crowds’ teenage years. The band managed to make a room filled with 2,500 people from different backgrounds feel intimate. Despite our differences, we all had one thing in common: our love for these songs.

Leaving the stage after ‘At Most a Kiss’ from their debut, the band was replaced by Gary, an eight-foot tall (limited to six feet for this tour) fibreglass gorilla which was a replica of Gary the Gorilla who was stolen from Lanarkshire Garden Centre last year. As the gorilla took centre stage, the crowd began to chant his name as the band returned to perform the title track from their latest album. This was followed by a cover of Oasis’ ‘Half the World Away.’ This again added to the sense of nostalgia and togetherness of the audience. Who can complain about an Oasis sing-along?

Closing with ‘There’s a Reason Why…’ and ‘Charlemagne’, the gig came to the perfect close with the crowd moshing, jumping onto each other’s shoulders, and screaming the lyrics at the top of their voices. It’s always a mark of a great gig when you wake up unable to speak the next day. The encore had all the right ingredients for the end of a concert; a new song, a slower ballad, fan favourites, and a gorilla; and these ingredients were mixed to perfection by I, for one, can’t wait to see what Blossoms will bring to Newcastle.  Blossoms' 'Gary' tour comes to Manchester at the end of this month.

Image credit: Ros Gasson, Flickr

Image credit: Gemma Bell

Amelia Thompson - Gaming Sub-Editor

Disney+'s Rivals Review: Is this Telly's Saltburn ?

Adelaide Dodson - Opinion Sub-Editor

awful) wig and, of course, a rather graphic final montage in which most of the main characters are sleeping with someone - usually someone they’re not supposed to be.

Disney+'s new show, based on the Jilly Cooper novel is eight episodes of sheer scandal. "You want something? Just sleep with the person to get it, problem solved.”

The show focuses on Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), old rivals who are now competing for a TV franchise in the Cotswolds.

The performances of all the actors are impressive, many of the old country houses being used as sets, gorgeous, and the script is intriguing and leaves you wanting more. I can firmly say it’s worth a watch even if it’s just to enjoy David Tennant mastering the art of playing a smarmy, entitled Lord.

The first episode really sums up what you’re getting from the show: television, heated arguments, a bit of horse riding (to cement the fact they’re all very posh and proper), Danny Dyer in a (pretty

The show really stops at nothing relationships wise. You’re married? Never mind, everyone cheats so why shouldn’t you. You’re twenty years younger than your love interest? Never mind, you’re a grown woman. You want something? Just sleep with the person to get it, problem solved. I wanted particularly to touch on Danny Dyer’s performance which was surprisingly heart-warming. Dyer plays businessman Freddie Jones who, whilst being lovelessly married, is pining after Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson). Their relationship becomes the most romantic in the show Freddie turning out to be a sweet, intelligent man. When we compare this to the likes of

Tony (Tennant), Rupert (Hassell) and even Declan (Aiden Turner), who plays a journalist working for Tony and then, later, with Rupert, is practically angelic. Apart from the stellar performances and intriguing plot the show also deals in some controversial and difficult topics.

Best TV watches of 2024 so Far...

Monro

One of our writers give us their take on what has been the best TV of the year to date.

Throughout 2024, there have been many TV releases, most of which I’ve really enjoyed.

First up, Mr and Mrs Smith, a spy comedy series inspired by the 2005 action film (yes – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt) created by Donald Glover, or Childish Gambino. Starring Maya Erskine and Donald Glover. Assigned an undercover identity as a married couple, the series blends action, humour and marital tension. Guy Richie’s The Gentleman great series to come out of 2024. Second on the list, an action-comedy crime series that serves as a spinoff of The Gentleman the narrative is essentially flipped, following a young aristocrat called Edward who inherits his father’s estate – spurring him to discover the criminal ring right underneath the property. The series centres around Edward’s struggles navigating the British drugs trade, keeping his brother out of trouble and trying to stay alive. Oh, and its stars Theo James. Richard Gadd’s has been one of the most popular releases of 2024 thus far. Despite it's many controversies, when watching

Baby Reindeer it's difficult for the viewer to still not be affected when they are being guided through a timeline of complex ideas, sensitive topics and an overall hard-hitting reality of male victims commonly being discredited when reaching out for help. I’d argue this opens up an important dialogue about victimology, challenging genderbased stigma surrounding sexual crimes and stalking. Gadd also leads his viewers to ponder the growing issue of cyber-crime within modern England. Overall, a tough watch but one of the best releases within the first half of

Columbian drug lord Griselda Blanco. Directed by Andrés Baiz, the show follows Blanco as she builds her cocaine empire after fleeing her abusive husband and moving to America with her sons. I find it particularly interesting how Baiz showcases the impacts Blanco’s choices have on her life.

Finally, the Netflix limited series One Day has been another hugely popular show this year. Over the course of 20 years, the audience sees the complex relationship between Emma and Dexter evolve– every July 15th. Based on the 2009 novel One Day by David Nichols, the show explores love, loss and the impacts of individual choices.

Thatcherism is prominent and alongside it the unabashed homophobia of the Tories. There are hushed up rapes, sexual exploitation, racism, objectification, inequality, and snobbery. Not to mention the constant deference to aristocracy. There is a highly plausible depiction of the struggles of being a black woman in this era, we see Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) fight simply to be seen.

Whilst most of the characters, particularly the male ones, are manipulative, cruel and give little thought to other people’s feelings unless it benefits them to do so the show is an honest (and raunchy) depiction of the 80s upper class. Rivals is entrenched in a web of lies, seduction and politics that’s graphicness is only alleviated by its ridiculousness, but I would say it’s worth a watch.

BBC OPEN CALL

There's an open call for the BBC writers' 2024 free TV writing developmnt course. You can be new to writing, a playwright looking to write for TV, or someone with experience in Radio. Whatever your level you can apply!

This is a great opportunity, with submissions for the next open call opening at 12 noon on Tuesday 5th November 2024 and them closing at 12 noon on Tuesday 3rd December 2024. For more information and how on how to enter, head over to https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/ opportunities/open-call

Actor Spotlight

We shine the spotlight on the Doctor Who Star.

As perhaps one of the most powerful and versatile actors to take on the role of The Doctor in Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi has long since earned his stripes. With the Glaswegian powerhouse becoming a mainstay on British television, it’s time to take a look back (and forwards) to some of his most iconic roles.

Doctor Who: In my personal favourite role of his career, Capaldi emerged as the 12th Doctor from the flames of Matt Smith’s curtain call all the way back in 2013 (where does the time go?). Despite poor critical reception of the actor’s tenure as The Doctor in comparison to the soaring heights of the Tennant-Smith era, the pairing of Capaldi and showrunner Steven Moffat saw some of the highest rated episodes in the show’s over 60 year long run, including my top picks Heaven Sentand World Enough and Time.

The Thick Of It: Mirroring real-life inspiration Alistair Campbell, Labour PM Tony Blair’s right-hand man and infamous ‘spin doctor’, Capaldi became a household name with his explosively expletive role as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of

It. Storming in with a flurry of violently imaginative insults to keep incompetent politicians somewhat in line, Tucker’s looming presence in the fictional reigning government’s offices took on such a life of its own that Capaldi is still asked for political comments to this day.

The Devil’s Hour: In one of his most recent roles, Capaldi embodies the dark and enigmatic Gideon Shepherd in Amazon’s The Devil’s Hour. In a long history of murders and disappearances, the latter of which including protagonist Lucy Chambers’ son, Gideon is always at the heart of the mystery. Unravelling Chambers’ life with a subtle sense of satisfaction, Capaldi is delightfully skincrawling as the prophetic killer. The first series is a must-watch, and just in time for spooky season, series 2 is now streaming on Amazon Prime!

Ursula

Image credit: IMDb

Ryan Walsh

Creativity to combat SADness

Katie Cobb

A guide on navigating the winter worries through creativity...

As the leaves grow crunchier and blue skies are being replaced with clouds, Newcastle is officially settling into Autumn. Whilst this is an opportunity to welcome in the colder weather with warming hot drinks, the changes in season can lead to changes in mood and wellbeing; this is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

Creativity is an innate form of self-expression, making it an effective tool to explore where your mind is at. Engaging in creative activities is viewed as promoting emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social connections, all of which are essential for mental wellbeing. This is recognised by psychology professionals, both in research linking creativity with mental health and in practice, such as art therapy.

Here are some ideas to inspire your creations:

1. Collaging

Collaging is a multi-media art form in which you layer different papers, fabrics, and photos to create a whole new image and meaning. Charity shop books, newspapers, and even old metro tickets make affordable supplies!

Top Tip: When you find a composition you’re happy with, take a picture before trying to stick it down to remember the positions!

2. Clay

Clay is a brilliant tool for creativity because the tactile experience of forming new shapes is just as rewarding as seeing your final creation. You can get a block of airdry clay from Blackwells for under £10 with a student discount and all you need from there is an idea!

Clay also gives you the chance to make functional art, such as pen pots, ashtrays, ring pots, incense holders, magnets, jewelry- the list is endless!

Top Tip: Add small amounts of water to the clay as you work with it to prevent it from drying out.

3. Textiles

Knitting, sewing, crochet, and embroidery are just some examples of working with textiles. The techniques pose a fun challenge to learn, and once you get the knack for them it’s the perfect activity to stay engaged whilst watching a film, listening to a podcast or just chilling with your friends. Additionally, learning to sew and repair clothes increases their longevity, benefitting both your bank account and the environment by reducing textile waste.

Top Tip: In most scarf patterns you can learn the basic, foundational stitches, meaning you get a new hobby and accessory in one project.

4. Journalling

Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to unwind and express your mind, whether it is on paper or digital. You can find different journal prompts online, keep a habits and feelings log or just free-write for a good old brain dump.

You can also use collaging in your journal to further express yourself.

Top Tip: Don’t put pressure on yourself to journal daily, journalling when you feel like it or find the time is equally effective for mindfulness.

Mali Morris speaks on 'Returning' at the Hatton

Jess Hughes - Relationships Sub-editor

Mali Morris is a Painter, who studied Fine Art at Newcastle University during the 1960s. Almost six decades later she has her largest exhibition at the Hatton gallery.

During the 1960s you studied Fine Art at Newcastle University and now you have your largest exhibition to date at the Hatton Gallery where it all began. How does this full circle moment feel?

Yes, I was delighted with the news that it was going to happen! When I arrived and saw the paintings had been unwrapped and placed where I had requested, I was thrilled to bits with it all. The galleries are so beautiful, and it was emotionally powerful on different levels. Partly, it was exciting to see my earlier work out of storage, but on another level, just returning to the place where I studied all those years ago was a lovely experience.

What inspired you to pursue abstract painting as your primary form of expression?

So, I never sat down and decided I was going to be an abstract artist. I think one of the most striking things about your work is your use of colour.

How do you approach the use of colour in your works? Is it instinctive or deliberate?

I realised quite early on - it was a kind of revelation - that colour in painting can make what I call luminosity it is as if the light is coming from the painting and it becomes a light source in itself.

How do you think the art world has changed since you started?

The main change now is that there are a lot more galleries, curators, dealers, many more artists, and there’s more freedom. It’s a more open culture. And, of course, the internet has changed everything.

You initiated the APT & Fenton Arts Mentoring Awards, what advice would you give to younger artists?

I always advise the students who were about to graduate to keep in contact with their peer group, keep in touch with people, and find other artists whose work you’re interested in. These days, it’s much easier, partly because of the internet and especially Instagram. Education never stops — we never stop learning. And be prepared for the ups and downs, because the downs come just as much as the ups, in terms of making your own work and how it’s perceived.Just keep going. And good luck!

Amy's favourite statues in Newcastle

Statues and public art are cherished in the hearts of the Geordies. One of our writers discusses her favourite city-centre statues.

Newcastle is filled with an immense amount of meaningful, timeless statues - I unfortunately would never be able to include each and every one of them in this list, but I can tell you about my favourites.

River God Tyne (Civic Centre)

Image credit: Phoebe Clark

Poetry in the North mark their first anniversary at the Estate Tea House

Marina Snyder - Head of Life and Style

From the humble beginnings within the art departments walls, to the ticketed event at Estate Tea Co...

Around a year ago Oscar, Kat and Will had a conversation influenced by Newcastle’s Mordern tower - a landmark that has hosted hundreds of poets' readings . Fast forward to today and the trio are now celebrating the first anniversary of ‘Poetry in the North.’ For those unfamiliar, Poetry in the North is a monthly event that fosters an informal, welcoming space for anyone who wishes to read or listen to poetry. There's no stage, no microphone, and no formal seating—just people sharing their words and ideas. This simplicity is what has given rise to a vibrant and supportive community of poets, readers, and listeners alike.

“There is no stage, no microphone... just people sharing their words”

The anniversary celebration, held on the 22nd of October, was a joyful night. After hosting monthly gatherings for a year, PITN is thriving more than ever. The anniversary event was the first poetry night to be ticketed, due to growing demand. When I spoke to Oscar, Kat, and Will about their inspiration and those early poetry nights, they reflected on how it all began. “We started by having conversations about poetry and wanting to share that with others. So, we decided to host a night, and at first, it was just meant to be a casual get-

together among friends,"

Their primary focus was on making connections and building a space where people could freely share their writing. “It’s quite simple," they explained, "but people became really attached to it. It grew because it’s more than just one night—it’s a community. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

When asked to describe the atmosphere at these poetry nights, the three founders unanimously agreed on the words: "Respectful, intimate, friendly, and engrossing."

Having attended one of these poetry nights about a month ago, I couldn’t agree more with their description. The cosy atmosphere at Estate Tea House is the perfect backdrop for an evening of haikus, sonnets, and free verse. Looking ahead, Poetry in the North is only just beginning. The founders have exciting plans for the future, including more ticketed events, charity fundraisers, and even the creation of a zine! At the end of the day, Poetry in the North is about all sorts of different people coming together, to share a piece of themselves, whether with strangers or friends. And though the idea appears simple at heart, it’s what makes it so special. Just remember if you ever do go... no cocaine at the poetry night!

This amazing piece is found outside the Civic Centre, just outside of Newcastle University's campus. It is a strong, powerful piece that really speaks to the average viewer, evoking something emotive from inside of them. The statue, once a much darker, bronze colour, has now tarnished into a green and brown blend of colours due to the running water which used to flow downwards from his raised right arm. Although this statue doesn't have the trickling water on display anymore, it is a stunning piece of artwork nonetheless.

Grey's Monument

Earning its spot on the list just for how iconic this piece is. Grey's Monument stands tall and proud, overlooking the City Centre and witnessing all of the questionable, manic things everyone gets up to at the end of their nights out. One day I'd like to brave the 164 steps to the top, but today (or the next day...) is not that day.

River God & Siren (Quayside)

Not to be confused with the over River God statue on this list, this incredible pair of statues can be found separately towards Newcastle's quayside. The River God is next to the Millennium Bridge. The Siren, on the other hand, is found just metres away. She gazes upon her counterpart, as well as the Millennium Bridge. Although a distance apart, these beautiful statues curated by André Wallace should only ever be discussed as a set of two.

Iron Man

This one may be my favourite in terms of actual appearance. Located in the Black Swan Courtyard of the Newcastle Arts Centre lives this incredible sculpture that was previously used as a stage puppet in the musical, 'The Iron Man'. In the performance, Iron Man protects its community, so I feel very reassured having this impressive sculpture just a few minutes walk from Central Station Man With Potential Selves I feel like there is no argument against crowning this series of statues as Newcastle's finest. From being greeted by them as the first thing you see when stepping out of the train station, to being featured in the iconic "when your card declines in therapy so they bring in..." meme. The statues are individually named the Standing Man, Walking Man, and Floating Man and each represents the alter ego of the average working man. I resonate with the Floating Man the most.

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

Image source: @nostalgia_kid

Scots clash with SNP over arts budget cuts

Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

Scottish Government continues its creative crackdown

Creative Scotland have announced the indefinite closure of their Open Fund for Individuals, which once funded art from Gretna to Kirkwall. Angus Robertson MSP, the Scottish Culture Secretary, was unable to confirm whether vital funding would be afforded to Creative Scotland in the latest budget, leaving the country on the verge of a “cultural depression”, according to the organisation’s Chief Executive.

While Holyrood had announced over £100 million of funding for art in

Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts, which will close in December.

Scottish music has fought hard to establish itself over the years, and has more than held its own during the popularity explosion of British ‘Indie’. Acts such as Franz Ferdinand and Paulo Nutini, who helped to define the genre, are now spearheading the new fight against austerity, calling on First Minister John Swinney to protect the industry. Clearly, the importance of government support for art is not lost on established Scottish artists, with Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos warning of the “exponential” cost to culture that cuts would bring.

“Cuts such as those in Scotland are far from unique”

Austerity treats art as ‘unessential’ and creative industries are often first on the firing line when it arrives. In a world dictated by profit, cuts such as those in Scotland are far from unique. Despite art providing our lives with meaning and substance, many in government and business see it as beneath them.

R. F. Kuang at Durham Book Festival

Genre-hopping Author R.F. Kuang talks Yellowface

Content Warning: Racism, racial violence

Rebbecca F. Kuang has seen a steady rise in fame over the last few years, from her first books, The Poppy Wars, up to her most recent release, Yellowface, which was the focus of this talk, chaired by Simon Savidge. She had us all hanging on her every word. Speeding through complicated social topics with ease, dripping charisma here and there, and making the theatre echo with laughter at her anecdotes.

in the book industry, she covered the murder of George Floyd and the following BLM movement that impacted industries in the US and across the world. She spoke on how this expanded the discourse around the pay-gap between white and POC authors, especially on their debut novels. She also questioned new ideas around who can write about what, arguing that surely the author’s own identity should not have much of a stake in this - it's how well they write their chosen narrative that should matter.

How much potential is suffocated by the denial of resources to emerging artists? Why should we as a society consider creativity unimportant? The fight of those in Scotland is a fight for all of us, and their dedication to protecting their livelihoods should inspire us all.

The dark side of cultural tracking apps

Is rating art making us culture snobs?

Did you really watch a film if you didn’t rate it on Letterboxd? Does it ‘count’ if you read a book but don’t log it on Goodreads? In the digital age, the pressure to track, quantify and showcase our cultural consumption is stronger than ever.

As of June 2024, Letterboxd, a site for film fans to review their watching has 14 million users. Goodreads, its counterpart for books, has 150 million. Now, don’t get me wrong, I can see the appeal: the sense of achievement, the rush of dopamine every time you log a witty "if you know you know" review. In fact, I’m jealous of those who can look back at every piece of art they’ve consumed over the last few years (although if you’re a Goodreads fan, please check out Storygraph, which is owned by a black woman, Nadia Odunayo, and not Jeff Bezos!). To me, however, there’s darker side to this compulsion to turn artistic enjoyment into data and content.

While gamifying cultural consumption may encourage us to allocate more time for art, if you’re holding yourself to a strict goal, you are inviting unnecessary shame into your life – like the time I pledged to the Amazon gods and all my followers that I’d read 30 books in a year and then it took me 6 months to reread The Hunger Games. In fact, I object in general to my enjoyment of art being turned into numbers. I want to listen to the Glee Cast without fear of them taking up a thousand minutes of my Spotify wrapped. Far too much of my life is consumed

by apps on my phone only to be regurgitated in another even more horrifying statistic - screen time.

Having written Yellowface during the pandemic, it was no surprise that her book was powered by themes like the complexities of friendships, the line between online and real identity and racial discrimination within the publishing industry. She expanded on these throughout her talk, providing the audience with insight into her thoughts on these complex social phenomena.   On the subject of racism

Following on, Kuang then spoke on another insipration: the idea of a dual identity. This came from the lockdown-powered swell of online activity and people presenting themselves as an entirely fabricated online persona, as well as the cancel culture surrounding that. This idea of crafting a public-facing persona shines through in Yellowface, as well as the concept of frenemies- something that she identifies with in her private life. The way she covered these nuanced and complicated social issues was both fun and engaging - you could really feel the depth of her knowledge and research in these areas (she is a PhD student at Yale after all). She did not fail to live up to the success of her books in person. Engaging and charismatic, her intelligence shone through. If you couldn’t tell, I’m just a tiny bit obsessed, and cannot wait to see what

Professor Deborah Lupton, Author of The Quantified Self, which explores our obsession with self-tracking, states “we have this mentality that metrics are more accurate or more insightful than other ways of learning about ourselves,” and we’re losing the ability to let art shape our perspective naturally. The phenomenon equally turns us all immediately into critics, reducing our instinct to recognise the inherent value in art. In fact, we’ve seen self-tracking taken to extremes in other areas, specifically health. It’s true, a part of me does wish I’d taken up running five years ago so I could be a full time Strava mule now, but this extreme culture of idealising our habits is deeply unnerving. Now, to call myself a film fan, I must represent myself in just four films that are critically well-received, cult classics, and at once relatable yet unique to my personality. Every aspect of cultural consumption becomes an online performance of self, fuelled by capitalist incentives. I may have a long way to go to convince the millions of users that enjoy self-tracking. But consider this a call to arms to celebrate hobbies that are done averagely, and without ulterior motives of creating aesthetics. In other words, run slowly, read infrequently, watch bad movies and listen to cringe albums.

Multiple Writers

Catch our writers cozied up by the fire with these seasonal reads...

Ella Saint

If a lighthearted, spooky mystery is what you seek this season, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is the perfect pick. The book follows the story of Mika Moon, one of the few witches in Britain, who has to conceal her powers and avoid other witches so their powers do not garner unwanted attention. Being an orphan, Mika is comfortable with being alone, and abides by the rules - with one small exception: an online account where she publishes videos posing as a witch. No one will take it seriously - or so she thinks…

For those craving a darker, more supernatural horror, Black Mouth by Ronald Malfi delves into the paranormal as the protagonist, Jamie Warren, spends more than two decades running from darkness. Haunted by a traumatic childhood and the guilt of leaving his brother behind, a series of unusual events reunites the two siblings and their childhood friends. None of them can deny the sense of fate that appears to have brought them back together.

But if horror is definitely not your genre, perhaps the small-town spicy romance in The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore will be more to your liking. Winner of the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024, this cozy read explores the budding relationship between Jeanie, the new owner of the Pumpkin Spice cafe, and a town local called Logan.

Asa Beckett

The 1965 novel Stoner, written by John Williams. He tells the simple story of William Stoner, born onto a farm at the turn of the 19th century, then rejecting his family’s ideals and becoming an English lecturer. We follow Stoner from his admittance to university, all the way through to his final reflections on life in the face of death.

At first it would seem like this book would be

Autumn reads that are NOT dark academia

dull, and the narrative is uneventful. However, as the book progresses, the very regular events of William Stoner’s life paint a picture that resonates with us all, asking us to regard our own approach to life with a new sense of care and tenderness. The genius of Stoner is how John Williams subtly transforms the average man into a testament of how we should recognise the triumph, loss, and most importantly meaning, in the small things on this journey we all go on.

“What's fall without a small town romance?”

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor

What’s fall without a small-town romance? Exactly, nothing. But what if we mix small-town romance with cowboys? Then, we have the perfect autumn combination.

My obsession with The Chestnut Spring Series by Elsie Silver started when one of my friends lent me the first book. Let’s say that I finished it in one day… After this, I read the remaining four in the next few weeks.

They are fast-paced books that touch on diverse romantic tropes, such as fake engagements, found families or a single dad falling for the nanny. It sounds cliché, I know, but the way they are written makes you so attached to the characters. This series follows the Eaton family and its close friends. They are normal people with normal lives who live on a ranch in Chestnut Springs, Alberta, Canada. Throughout the five books, you discover the struggles that each character has, and somehow, you connect with them.

If I had to choose my favourite, I would say it’s the third one, Powerless. We follow Jasper Gervais, a professional hockey player, and Sloane Winthrop, a prima ballerina forced to do whatever her rich dad tells her to do. What I find fascinating about this book is how two people in a relationship rely on each other to resolve their problems. I hope I can experience that someday.

Ciara Rivers

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: Flickr, Pixabay

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: Ed Yourdon, Flickr

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Amelie Baker - Opinion Sub-Editor

Dev staff layoffs: Incessant greed or necessary evil?

Daniel Atkinson

A growing issue in the gaming community...

As a surprise to no one, a number of game development studios are swamped in controversy surrounding staff treatment and layoffs, highlighting a long time problem within the industry.

2023 alone saw the loss of an estimated 9,000 jobs within the industry, whilst 2024 is without exception. Most notably Epic Games, who are known for the hyper-successful Fortnite: Battle Royale, laid off 830 staff at the end of 2023. CEO Tim Sweeney recently spoke at Unreal Fest 2024, confirming that the company is now "financially sound," after, "rebuilding and executing solidly on all fronts". This saw an outpour of protest towards the decision, as many gamers claimed that in the process of getting their finances in order, Epic Games had impacted the lives of many hard working people.

Another huge story to break at the beginning of the year was an internal memo from Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, confirming the layoffs of 1,900 people across Xbox and Activision Blizzard roughly three months after the ground breaking acquisition was finalised. In the memo, Spencer describes the decision as “a strategy and an execution plan with a sustainable cost structure that will support the whole of our gaming business”. Fans often struggle to understand these type of decisions as it only furthers gamers negative opinions against

corporate intervention in game development. Around a similar time, EA announced a layoff of 5% of their workforce, equivalent to 670 staff. This resulted in Respawn Entertainment's much anticipated Star Wars first person shooter being cancelled, causing an outrage across the industry. In a statement EA claimed it will be “moving away from development of future licensed IP that we do not believe will be successful in our changing industry”. Fans were confused by the decision as EA is one of the most successful publishers worldwide, due to the EA Sports division and the licensed IP it had already developed such as the Star Wars: Jedi series.

These specific instances, which are only a handful of recent stories to break, highlight an even larger problem within the industry; the power and greed of shareholders and executives superseding the core values of the video game industry and the responsibility to protect employees during periods of financial struggle. As studios rush development and encourage crunch culture in order to meet deadlines and expectations, they ultimately sabotage themselves. Gamers have come to expect high standards from AAA games, which simply cannot be produced under the time constraints. This decreases sales and loyalty toward a franchise and can lead to financial woes for a studio. If developers were given more time and independence to produce a finished and polished experience rather than prioritising the need to line the already-riches pockets, then perhaps the industry could thrive at even greater heights financially and artistically.

How leaks are ruining the gaming experience

Keyon Snoek

There's been a leak in the boat...

In today's era of instant information, video game leaks have become a frustrating norm, robbing enthusiasts of the excitement surrounding new releases.

A recent example of this involved the PlayStation State of Play event, where the entire agenda, including the remastered Sonic game, was leaked ahead of time, dampening the thrill of its official announcement. Leaks like these have been an issue for decades. Back in 2004, Halo 2 was leaked a month before its release, with the French version of the game circulating online. This not only spoiled the story and gameplay for fans but was also a significant blow to Microsoft's efforts to maintain the game's secrecy.

Leaks often project fan expectations onto developers prematurely, leading to disappointment when the leaked content doesn't align with those expectations.

A striking example of this was the 2023 leak of early gameplay Wolverine, which left fans dissatisfied with its unfinished state.

This particular leak was severe, as hackers not only released gameplay footage but also sensitive information about Insomniac Games' future plans, including personal details about employees.

Will the Switch 2 be worth it?

Ashley Levy

Leaks, rumours, speculation - here's what we know so far...

What do we know about the Nintendo Switch 2? Not much. Not much officially anyway. President of Nintendo Shuntaro Furukawa has successfully kept his and the company's lips tightly sealed. However, leakers and various other trusted sources have painted a colourful picture of what we can expect from the new console.

First off, design. As expected, the Switch 2 does not appear too dissimilar to the original model. A leaked Chinese video revealed a side-by-side comparison between the next-gen model and the Switch OLED, and besides the 8-inch display (a relatively minor upgrade from current the 7-inch), there doesn’t appear to be many differences. The video did reveal new magnetic joy-cons, 2 USB-C ports, and seems to confirm that the cartridge slot remains, implying backwards compatibility with existing Switch games (yay).

Whilst the console doesn’t appear much different on the exterior, inside some massive improvements seem to have been made. Leaks suggest that the new model will make use of the Nvidia

The fallout from this was damaging both to the company’s reputation and its employees’ privacy.

“Fans reactions often focus on the leaked content more than on the ethical concerns surrounding the breach.”

While leaks can be damaging to game studios, they also carry serious risks for those behind them. The infamous Grand Theft Auto VI leak in 2023 led to the arrest of the hacker responsible, showing the real-world consequences of such actions. Despite the legal ramifications, fan reactions often focus more on the leaked content than on the ethical concerns surrounding the breach. In this case, fans were more upset by the appearance of an unfinished game than by the hacker’s actions or the damage done to the developers.

“Leaks can also serve as a form of free publicity, generating buzz without the need for paid marketing.”

On the flip side, leaks can also serve as a form of free publicity, generating buzz without the need for paid marketing. However, this can backfire, as seen with the Suicide Squad vs. Justice League game, where early leaks revealed it would be a live-service model, disappointing fans who expected a single-player experience. Leaks, while sometimes exciting for gamers, are a double-edged sword. They can generate hype, but they often come at the cost of ruining the experience for fans and causing significant harm to developers.

T239 Processor, with 256GB of internal storage up from 64GB (finally) and 12GB RAM up from 4GB. All this would amount to similar specs to the existing XBOX Series S and Steam Deck. These are some much-needed promising improvements, that seem to align with rumours that late-2025 release Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be a high-spec Switch 2 exclusive.

“How many kidneys do you need to sell to get your hands on one? A few.”

Now what do we know about the release date? And more importantly how many kidneys do you need to sell to get your hands on one? A few. Rumoured release dates have come forward and back over the years, seemingly now the leading theory is a second-quarter 2025 release, based on new reports from a Tokyo Securities Analyst – April earliest, June latest. This remains subject to change, and probably will. Now, price. For the modest price of £285, you can get your hands on an existing OLED switch, this is speculated to rise to between $399 - $499 for a Nintendo Switch 2. Ouch!

So, with all of this in mind, will the Nintendo Switch 2 be worth it? It appears to be a very considerable quality jump from the existing models, that being said, for the price of one I could get 100 Frozen Margs from the Cog & Wheel, and that is worth considering. Honestly though, if they can guarantee an end to joy-con drift, maybe I’ll consider counting my pennies.

Football Manager 25 delayed until March 2026

Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

How might the delay affect FM26?

Sports Interactive and SEGA, the developers of Football Manager have announced the “tough decision” to delay the release of their muchanticipated 2024/25 instalment until March 2025. The popular tactical game, where players can lead the likes of Kettering Town and Solihull Moors to Champions League glory, among other possibilities, was due for a November 26th release.

Developers had promised “the biggest technical and visual advancement in a generation", with FM25 being the first Football Manager release to use the Unity engine, which powers games such as Cuphead and Monument Valley. However, adapting to these changes proved a tough hurdle, and FM admitted that it had been “a difficult development cycle” for all involved. An official announcement posted on October 10th revealed that going ahead with a November release would mean rushing to meet this “crucial juncture” for the franchise, which clearly SEGA did not want to risk.

when the season is nearly over? Furthermore, releasing in March would leave only seven months before November 2025, when fans are expecting FM26 to be released. One X (previously known as Twitter) comment with almost 9 thousand likes argued “Focus on FM26 then, we can still play FM24”, another with over four hundred likes said “I need a cuddle” – clearly the fanbase did not take the news well. I hope you’re okay, @OmegaLuke.

“The more realistic and down-toearth nature of FM is its major selling point.”

“What is the point in releasing a game that simulates the 2024/25 season, when the season is nearly over?”

However, the announcement left many confused and angry. After all, what is the point in releasing a game that simulates the 2024/25 season in March,

The argument put across by those calling for FM25 to be scrapped is compelling. Leaving so little room between games could well lead to the same issues of rushed deadlines that plagued 25’s development to hurt 26 Two botched releases in a row would not bode well for Sports Interactive, for whom the game is the largest source of income. The more realistic and down-to-earth nature of Football Manager is its major selling point over EA’s career mode, but should FM26 face the same issues that it’s predecessor has, more and more fans could make the switch, especially considering the comparatively smooth launch of FC25

Should SEGA and Sports Interactive press on with releasing FM25? Or should they simply provide a free update to FM24 and place all focus on FM26 as many in the fanbase are suggesting? Will I be able to win the quadruple with Stocksbridge Park Steels sometime In the next 6 months? Will @OmegaLuke get his cuddle? This all remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s crunch time for Football Manager

Image credit: Pixabay

Image credit: IMDB, Pixabay

The Release Roundup: November 2024's new games Memory Card: Pokémon: Blue Rescue Team

Mario & Luigi: Brothership: November 7th

Keira Gratton - Arts Sub-Editor

Gearing up for another month of gaming...

With November comes frost outside of your window and ice on the pavements - it's much too cold to be outside. Why don't you stay in instead and check out some of these new game releases for every type of console your uni house can support.

Stardew Valley 1.6: November 4th

The 1.6 update is finally here, with far too much new content to possibly list here. Some of the changes include the option to start on the new Meadowlands Farm which has a coop and two chickens, multiple pets, and new crops. New home renovations such as a dining room, an attic and a cubby are also available. The visual and dialogue upgrades seem endless, and I can only encourage you to play for yourself to discover them all. Available on switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. With this update finally release, fans can turn their gaze towards to prospected release of ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier game coming soon… Slitterhead: November 4th

Following in the footsteps of Nintendo games past, Mario and Luigi are once again out to save the kingdom. But rather than rescuing Peach, the bros are transported to the islands of Concordia. They’re on a quest to reunite this fractured archipelago and make it home to the Mushroom Kingdom. It’s the gameplay you know and love in better graphics for Nintendo Switch.

Twinsen on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S and Nintendo Switch. Play this game if you want to make your older brother double take at the fun 90s hit reimagined.

MySims: Cosy Bundle: November 19th

Raven Orteza

A body-swapping adventure game set in 80s Hong Kong, this supernatural mystery closes out horror season with some gruesome enemies. As Keiichiro Toyama’s (creator of Silent Hill and Gravity Rush) debut project with new company Bokeh Game Studio, fans can look forward to blind melee combat in swathes of fog and another unique storyline. Releasing on PS4, PS5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X/S, this stealth horror should definitely be on your radar.

Two Falls: Nishu Takuatshina: November 8th

One of the most interesting new projects of 2024, you follow two unique protagonists: shipwrecked French girl Jeanne trying to survive her journey to New France, and indigenous Innu hunter Maïkan investigating the mysterious disturbances in the forest… Set across the stunning backdrop of 17th century Canada, you alternate between protagonists making decisions Life is Strange style, which influence your character traits. The game explores different and underrepresented perspectives in this period, both metaphorically and literally, with Maïkan’s pov adding colour and familiarity to the landscape Jeanne experiences as bleak and scary. This project was developed in collaboration with indigenous minds from First Nations communities and seems like the fresh air that adventure games having been dying for. Play on PS5, Windows PCs and Xbox Series X/S.

Twinsen’s Quest: November 14th

A respectful remake of the 94’ classic, you follow OG protagonist Twinsen, a fugitive for his prophetic visions about the end of this alien world. You’re on the run from Scientist-gone-Dictator Dr FunFrock, on his own nefarious quest to destroy the goddess of the planet Sendell. A galactic adventure with a blast of nostalgia, you can rejoin

Another blast from the past, MySims is back and coming to Nintendo Switch. A cross between Animal Crossing and PC Sims games, you spawn in a run-down town looking to rebuild and attract new residents. The announcement doesn’t seem to have particularly updated the game content from the 2010s iterations, so fans are speculating that in competition with everevolving games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, it may fall a little flat. This is potentially down to developer attention being focused elsewhere, perhaps on the mysterious Project Rene addition to the Sims franchise, which promises multiplayer mechanics for PC and mobile…

Stray: November 19th

Originally released in 2022, you play as a stray cat wandering a postapocalyptic landscape populated by robots. You explore how they’ve evolved since the fall of humans, and rediscover beauty as an unassuming feline companion. Two years later the game is finally coming to Switch, letting you max out those cosy vibes by playing from bed under your sunset lamp. The perfect gameplay for a lone night in when Soho Jes gets a little too much.

Press Pause: How to balance gaming with Your Studies

Adam Lovegrove - Head of Culture

A guide to balancing your hobbies at university....

One of the biggest problems you’ll encounter when starting at university is attempting to balance all the different aspects of your life. From studying, to partying, to cooking, to meeting up with friends, to participating in sports teams and societies, to finding time to just sit down and relax every once in a while, it can often feel like you’ve got way too much on your plate.

Anticipating this challenge in the month before my first year, I made the executive decision to leave my PC at home, feeling as though gaming would become something I no longer had time for.

At first, I felt like I had made the right move. I was having the time of my life in those first couple of months as a fresher, and it felt like life was never going to slow down. The thought of picking up a controller on the odd evening was one I didn’t feel like I had the time for, but that feeling slowly faded.

As I and everyone else started to settle in, I began to have more and more nights where I thought about booting up a game and playing a couple matches, only to glance over to

that could barely run 3 Chrome tabs at once.

Despite what some people will have you believe, you’re not gonna be busy every single hour of the day at university, and so having something to entertain yourself with on those quiet nights in is only a good thing.

"Being able to join a group call every once in a while and game together is a nice way to catch up."

"Self-discipline is one of the most valuable skills you'll learn at university."

Gaming has also helped me maintain relationships with my mates from home. Especially for friends who might live as far down south as Southampton, being able to join a group call every once in a while and game together is a nice way to catch up inbetween the Christmas and Summer breaks. think the fear of falling behind on assignments thanks to gaming is a valid one, but there’s no real difference between balancing videogames with studies to any other hobby. Self-discipline is one

of the most valuable skills you’ll learn at university, and being able to put the controller down is something you’ll have to do when times get tough.

I brought my PC up to Newcastle after the Christmas break in my first year, and although finding that balance between gaming and studying can be hard, I think I’ve got things figured out. I always make sure I’ve got enough time to finish my work for the next day before playing anything, and although that may result in only an hour or so of gaming some days, I’ve learned to enjoy the chances I do get to play even more now.

"I've found that balancing the two keeps me from feeling burned out."

As a kid, my teachers and parents would often have me believe videogames were the enemy, and that playing games after school would ruin my grades. But I’ve found balancing the two keeps me from feeling burned out. My degree will always be my priority, but a couple of hours of gaming a day never hurt anyone, did it? Anyways, thanks for reading. I’m gonna go and queue some Overwatch competitive now instead of working on my dissertation.

How a Pokémon spin-off game shaped me as a child...

It's a dewy, sunny afternoon in 2012. My mum had come to pick me up from school and she tells me that she had just bought a game for me, a game I would come to hold dear to me to this day - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team.

To summarise, the game involves you (the player) mysteriously waking up as a Pokémon and befriending another, with whom you form a team to rescue other Pokémon. Along the way, you defeat bosses traverse through dungeons, with many perilous twists and turns as you seek to find the mystery of your past life, making for an epic and emotional tale between two strangers turned best friends. It follows the Mystery Dungeon format, which is a subgenre of games where you travel through randomlygenerated dungeons that act in a similar manner to a maze, and you progress by finding the stairs to the next floor whilst battling foes in a turn-based style of combat.

"Its messages and moments are communicated in a way children can understand."

As a dumb little kid, this game was a lot to take in. However, as it is a Pokémon game after all, its messages and moments are communicated in a way that children can understand and learn from - and it is done masterfully. The dialogue is rich with a descriptive and varied vocabulary yet still reaches a kid as it can an adult; in fact my own vocabulary blossomed growing up with this game in a way that came much faster than if I had never played it.

"The attachment nurtured between you and your partner almost feels too real."

Emotionally, this game is a rollercoaster. The adventures and obstacles you go through with your rescue team partner forges and portrays one of the most touching friendships completely unexpected from a spinoff Pokémon game. The attachment nurtured between you and your partner feels almost too real, especially as a child, and accompanied by a soundtrack that tugs at your heartstrings with bit-crushed melodies, you are left with a beautiful experience encompassing the most heart-warming parts of companionship and interpersonal connection. Reflecting on this game today, along with its sequel which is its own topic to discuss in its own right, I truly appreciate what it has done for me growing up. I think such a display of friendship got to me in a way I wouldn't be able to understand for years to come.

the crappy laptop on my desk

Image credit: YouTube, Wholesome Games

Image credit: YouTube, PlayStation

Image credit: IMDB

Image credit: IMDB

M

O

B E R

E

N

V

Brain Teaser

What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?

LADDER

Fire

RIDDLE

What lives as long as it eats, but dies as soon as it drinks?

Crossword

Across

4) Religion of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators. (8)

5) ----- the Dog, one of the first live passengers launched into space on a spacecraft. (5)

7) Birthstone for November. (5)

9) Guy Fawkes' real first name. (5)

11) What is the company of the largest consumer of fireworks in the world? (6)

12) WARNING! Fireworks can be ------. (6)

Down

1) Actor whose birthday is the same as this publication date, Matthew ----------- .(11)

2) Largest firework manufacturing country. (5)

3) ------ -six barrels of gunpowder were found under parliament. (6)

6) Bonfire night is celebrated because of the failed assassintation attempt on King ----- I. (5)

8) Which English city was Guy Fawkes born in? (4)

10) How Guy Fawkes was executed, ------, drawn, and quartered. (6)

Fact of the Issue:

Tuchel a mockingbird: German coach seals the England job

Kole Cornish

The debate around whether Tuchel will be successful as the new England manager...

Wyears of hurt?

After plenty of speculation over who the successor to Gareth Southgate would be, the nation has finally discovered that it will in fact be German manager Thomas Tuchel who leads the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup. As you might expect, a German appointment has certainly faced mixed reviews, but have the FA appointed the right man?

Various news outlets, and even respected former players, have voiced their disapproval

of a foreign coach leading the nation. Whilst the previous attempts with

"England fans do have reasons to be optimistic though and thats down to one factor - Thomas Tuchel wins trophies"

Italian Fabio Capello and Swedish Sven-Göran Eriksson haven't gone swimmingly, it seems these views are missing some glaringly obvious pointers as to why Tuchel is a fantastic appointment. For a starter, the press’ interest and defiance of a non-English coach was the root of the very problem Eriksson had as England boss. Not to mention, some of the frankly woeful references to the tragically passed Swede in trying to turn the public against Tuchel’s appointment. Whilst his league record can be debated, Tuchel is a master in knockout competitions, something English football fans should already be fully aware of. After all, he took a Chelsea team, with a below-par frontline of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, to a FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, both FA and EFL Cup Finals, oh,

and they won the UEFA Champions League.

Tuchel’s CV is astonishing, with league titles in France and Germany to add to his major cup success, with a distinctly average Chelsea side. Tabloids have already started to attack his short tenures as gaffer, as well as his home life of course, but frankly this does not affect how successful he may be as England boss. Tuchel has no superiors to fight over transfers with, and no mega-money owners to sack him after narrow

"He

can pick his squad, implement his clearly successful tactical setup, and try and bring football well and truly home"

defeats and poor runs of form. With this appointment, it's likely that previous squad outcasts and Tuchel favourites such as Eric Dier, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho may be chomping at the bit to work with the German yet again. Whoever ‘Thommy T’ picks, it's hard not to see that he is probably the best man for the job, and let's maybe not sing THAT chant from now on.

Do we need to stop International Breaks?

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

International breaks in football have become increasingly frustrating. With the season stuck in a stopstart motion, it feels like the games never truly get going. There have been growing calls from fans to either drastically reform the concept of international breaks or to abolish them completely.

Although international competitions hold an undeniable, the frequent interruptions during the domestic season caused by these breaks drastically disrupts the flow of club football, imposing significant challenges for both players and fans.

With modern football’s intense schedules, players are under crazy expectations and the pressure of staying fit and healthy in order not to miss out on games is large; this places a huge strain on the athletes, both physically and mentally. International fixtures add to the constant cycle of travelling, training, etc. Attempting to balance this alongside domestic football and a life outside of football can be near impossible. It can also result in exhaustion, burnout, or risk injuries – especially when players aren’t given sufficient time to rest and recover. Valuable players often return home fatigued, damaging the club’s performance, and frustrating fans who wish to see their team perform well.

Moreover, from a club’s perspective,

international breaks can disrupt a team’s momentum. Clubs often find themselves forming a strong level of cohesion over a string of matches, only for that rhythm to be completely derailed by a twoweek hiatus. Once players return from international games, the club faces the issue of reintegrating them into the team in the limited time frame between the next fixtures. In a sport where consistency greatly contributes to a club’s success, these interruptions can become seriously problematic.

International breaks also cause annoyance amongst fans as many feel like they take the focus away from domestic football. Although many supporters enjoy international football, the constant disruptions in the domestic calendar feel unwelcome, particularly when they break is purely for low-stake friendlies or qualifiers. Not only this, but the frequency of these games is what brings the majority of upset, with many fans thinking that it is unnecessary and a shame to prioritise them over domestic fixtures.

While international football deserves its place and status in the sport, the current structure of it just doesn’t seem to function well. A rework of them, prioritising players’ wellbeing and the integrity of club football is long overdue.

Red Bull and Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton eye Paris FC

Cavan Smith

How has Red Bull's involvement in football changed the sport?

Another power play from the energy drink company into the football arena as Red Bull, who are no stranger to ownership within the sports industry, are in line to buy 15% of Ligue 2 side Paris FC.

Leeds United Football Club". The investment is instead seen as debtcovering, stabilising the club's building transfer deficit. The Whites have also given up their previous front-of-short sponsorship, with all kits now adorning the iconic fighting bulls.

of international management on the horizon. The shock of the appointment gives credence to Red Bull’s ambition and adds to what is shaping up to be a significant year for the energy drink company’s control within the world of sport.

fortunes could change quickly, and start to worry their usually untroubled neighbours.

The side currently sits atop the Ligue 2 table with aspirations of competing in the top French league for the first time since the 78/79 season.

The energy drink company has made waves into the sports industry for well over two decades now, with the ownership of two F1 teams. Football teams in the US, Austria, Germany,

“The company recently aquired a minority stake in Leeds United”

and Brazil, along with the sponsorship of many major viral sporting stunts, also . The company recently acquired a minority stake in Leeds United as the Championship side aims to return to the Premier League after a 2-year hiatus. Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe stated that the club "will never be the Leeds Red Bulls", following questions about Red Bull. "We will forever be

LVMH, on the other hand, is a new player in the sports game. The French conglomerate only last week announced a 10-year partnership to become a main sponsor of Formula One, a deal that will reportedly cost the luxury brand just under €100 million a year. The company also recently sponsored the 2024 Paris Olympics and were bestowed the responsibility of making the athlete's medals through their jeweller, Chaumet. LVMH, headed by Bernard Arnault, will take on a 55% ownership stake in Paris FC, with future aims of buying the 30% share held by current club president, Pierre Ferracci. Red Bull turned heads last week with their capture of Jurgen Klopp's talents as their new 'Global Head of Soccer', a role very few expected him to end up in following his departure from Liverpool FC. This move has not gone down well with both the Borussia Dortmund and Mainz faithful. Both Bundesliga clubs were previously managed by Klopp, and are rivals of Red Bull-owned RB Leipzig. Many fans expected Klopp to continue with a new managerial job following his success with Liverpool, with murmurs

“The move appears to be another step of the Red Bull branding slowly colonising world sports”

But why Paris FC? The club have not competed in Ligue 1 for almost 50 years, and in that time have yo-yoed around in the lower divisions, never looking likely to compete in the top tier. However, at the start of this season the club look a new side, having won six of their opening eight games and leaving just one point separating The Parisians from first-place Lorient. Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, have dominated the French pyramid since Qatar Sports Investment took ownership in 2011, having had complete control of Parisian bragging rights over Paris FC since. LVMH and Red Bull may be looking to turn the tide, the two companies made a combined revenue of €96 billion in 2023, an income that if only a fraction of is invested into the club, Paris FC's

Red Bull may not care for a return on their investment from the sporting side, but rather from the trickle-down effects of what will likely add to their energy drink sales. Red Bull make roughly 90% of their revenue from the sale of their energy drinks, with the other 10% coming from their sports teams, content creation and merchandise.

The core aim of Red Bull’s sports teams, beyond diversifying their portfolio, has been to get more eyes on the brand and to sell more drinks.

The brand appears in the names of all of its sports teams, it is the main shirt sponsor of its football teams, it is the primary name of the extremely successful F1 team and the imagery of the Red Bull has become iconic within the sporting world.

The move appears to be another step of the Red Bull branding slowly colonising world sports and pulling attention towards its drinks. The French Ligue 1 sits within the top 3 most watched leagues in world football, and Red bull now place themselves first in line as a sponsor of the leagues possible newest club, a play that may turn out to be a shrewd one in only a couple years.

Image credit: Анна Мейер,Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Sid_69, GoodFon

Who is Abbi Pulling?

Kate Clark

Miami. Singapore. Barcelona. She’s been there. She’s won there.

Making her single-seat car debut in 2020, Abbi Pulling has already established herself to be the most promising female racer in the world at only 21 years of age.

Born in Lincolnshire, Pulling always had a keen interest in motorsports, fuelled by her motorbike-racing father. Beginning her competitive racing career in 2013 in an overwhelmingly male environment, Pulling persisted; landing herself two trophy wins in the Super 1 National Junior TKM Championship, which was previously won by Jenson Button. After this, she spent her formative years in the pioneering W Series.

In her first season in 2021, she only participated in 4 races, but quickly made noise with a 2nd place finish in the final round – securing herself a place on the 2022 grid. Here, she placed a very respectable 4th in the championship, behind the dominating Jamie Chadwick and her own mentor Alice Powell. However, W Series was replaced F1 Academy; a series which advocated for racing to be broadcast on mainstream TV to gain attraction and to earn backing from all 10 F1 teams. Pulling was swiftly signed for the Alpine affiliated Rodin Motorsport. Now, Pulling races in both Formula 4 and F1 Academy – becoming the first woman to ever win a race in the former earlier this year.

In F1 Academy, on the other hand, she competes against women such as Doriane Pin – a former member of European Le Mans’ famous allfemale team Iron Lynx. Karting wins, F4 wins, F1 Academy wins… where could she go next? Other notable female racers have transitioned to Indy NXT, the British GT Championship and are finding success there. But, Abbi Pulling has other desires. “I’d be lying if I said my aim wasn’t F1” Pulling told The Fast and Curious podcast back in May 2024.

“I'd be lying if I said my aim wasn't F1”

With a lot of firsts for woman in motorsport and a lot of first place finishes to her name already, Abbi Pulling’s trajectory is monumental for the motorsport world and her dream of achieving a place in the most famous racing series in the world.

Sub-editors: Adam Symes, Dylan Seymour, Megan Grimston, and Noelia Fernandez Perez

A Tribute to runner Rebecca Cheptegei

Emma Hunter - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Content warning: this article contains implications of domestic violence and murder.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s athletics career was speeding up and up and up. Though she had consistently achieved impressive results since her distance running debut 14 years ago, including high placings including the African cross country championships, the Kampala half marathon and the Florence marathon.

It was only a couple of years ago that her potential truly became apparent. 2021 saw her win the world trail running championships, a year later she set an Ugandan marathon record before being selected to compete in the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

Then came the honour every athlete dreams of: the Olympic Games. Cheptegei gave an incredible performance for the Ugandan national team on the streets of Paris this summer, gritting her teeth and

pushing past the pain to cross the line in 44th place. Have no misgivings: the dedication and hard work this requires is unimaginable. But she was also a kind, beautiful person, who cared deeply for her family and always offered help to her fellow athletes. This makes her brutal murder at the age of 33 by her boyfriend on 5th

September all the more heart-breaking. Cheptegai was doused in petrol and set alight at her home in western Kenya by Dickson Ndiema after they had reportedly argued over a piece of land she had bought. She suffered burns to 80% of her body and died in hospital

two days later. The killing has left her family, country and the wider athletics community distraught and distressed. Various tributes have been paid in honour of her, be it at her funeral in her home district, where the Ugandan army gave a ceremonial salute, at the Paralympic Games, where a minute’s applause was held and a eulogy was given, or even by the Ugandan government, who accused itself and the community of guilt.

“34% of women in the country [Kenya] have experienced domestic violence”

Because Cheptegei’s death is indeed emblematic of the wider issue of gender-based violence in East Africa. Female runners are particularly vulnerable because they go against the traditional gender norms by becoming financially independent. Cheptegai was the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya by a romantic partner in three years, and 34% of women in the country have experienced domestic violence. It is hoped that Cheptegei’s murder will bring muchneeded action and change.

Despite being a relatively new team to the sport, Red Bull Racing founded in 2005, rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.

In less than two decades, the team has secured seven drivers' championships and remains a strong contender for victory in the 2024 season. With enough wins to rank 6th among the most successful teams in F1 history, Red Bull’s dominance has been undeniable. Why, then, is there growing speculation of a Red Bull decline in 2024?

One of the most significant developments has been the departure of key figures within the team, who much of the success in recent years can be attributed to. Adrian Newey, chief technical officer at Red Bull, has announced his split after 19 years. It is thought the engineer had lost faith in the team and his signing with Aston Martin Racing as the Managing Technical Partner, could be a bid to make a greater impact in the sport. His exit raises questions about whether Red Bull can maintain its technological edge without him.

Adding to the uncertainty, Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s sporting director, will be leaving to assume the role of Team Principal at Audi in 2026. Wheatley will remain with Red Bull until the end of 2024, before entering a transition period in 2025. Although the move has stirred speculation about internal changes at Red Bull, ultimately the choice appears

primarily career related. With no indication of team principal Christian Horner leaving his post, it seems the necessary trajectory for his personal development.

Despite being cleared of any accusations in the summer, Horner’s handling of the situation created some backlash.

Horner himself has faced scrutiny in recent months, largely due to a public scandal that, while resolved in his favour, may have impacted the team’s image. Despite being cleared of any accusations in the summer, Horner’s handling of the situation created some backlash. His dismissive response in a press conference, “let’s get back to racing”, did little to minimize the criticism. Although the scandal has officially subsided, it’s very possible that it caused internal distractions and loss of moral.

Despite starting the season strong, mechanical issues with the RB20 have plagued the team. On the track, Red Bull’s competition has grown fiercer. The team is locked in a tight battle with McLaren, in both the constructor and driver championships. With Charles Leclerc in P3, currently only 35 points behind Lando Norris, Ferrari cannot be discounted in the fight either. At this stage, it seems likely the real competition for the 5 remaining races of the season is for P2 in championship. However, Red Bull could still benefit, as both Norris and Leclerc, hungry for wins in the penultimate races, might lose valuable points battling each other.

Despite the shortcomings and rumours surrounding Red Bull this season, there's no denying that the team

remains amidst the fight at the front of the grid. The contrast to 2023, when Red Bull dominated with unprecedented ease, has perhaps made the challenges of 2024 seem more prominent. Horner himself had pre-emptively acknowledged that such dominance was likely a solitary incidence. Nonetheless, Max Verstappen continues to lead the driver standings comfortably and is the clear favourite to retain his reigning world title in 2024. After securing P1 in the Austin sprint race, Verstappen expressed confidence in the team’s direction, "feels like old times... we are finally racing again." With Verstappen’s steadfast form and recent mechanical improvements, Red Bull remains a formidable force despite the obstacles they’ve faced this season. They’ve weathered tough periods before—such as the 'barren years' following Sebastian Vettel's back-to-back titles—and have always managed to bounce back.

Ebony Maude

Image credit: Red Bull, Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Narnabi, Wikimediacommons

Newcastle dominate against Northumbria 57-31 in first Varsity basketball match

After the success of the 2023/24 Varsity season, the expectations for its successor in the new academic year meant that both universities had to train harder, and play braver. As the 2024/25 season integrated into society, the Newcastle M1 faced off against their polytechnic counterparts. On their home turf, Newcastle dominated in a crushing victory 57-31 in their first game against iconic Northumbrian rivals.

With the Varsity season integrating into student life across the entire year, fans of both teams crowded the sides of the court with an enrapturing energy. Waves of claps and cheers swept across the court as the game began, signifying the beginning of another round of an historic and iconic rivalry.

After a devastating one goal loss against Newcastle during the 2023/24 season, Northumbria M1’s were hoping

the new year would bring them a storming victory. However, hope was not enough to defeat their rivals early lead after losing their start to a strong intercept from Newcastle.

In the first two minutes, player 12 secured Newcastle the first point of the game, officially making the score 1-0. As Newcastle found their footing across the first quarter they managed to stay ahead of the game and keep a three point lead as Northumbria secured themselves their first two shots at the hands of players 7 and 4. As the opening twelve minutes continued to deplete, a back and forth between the two teams began. With the score sitting at an early 1-2 to Northumbria, Newcastle returned with a further goal, returning to the lead. Northumbria had worked out what they needed to do to avoid another

devastating Varsity loss, but could they pull it off? With the gap being closed to one point, Newcastle had barely secured their 5-4 lead. In an attempt to take the lead for themselves, Northumbria began launch an efficient attack against Newcastle. With an unbelievable intercept from Northumbria, hope was not lost for the fans of the black and white. However, hope was not enough.

With the first quarter’s end in sight, Newcastle continued to score, jumping from a respectable 5 points to a sudden 15 by the buzzer. Ultimately, Newcastle claimed the first quarter victorious with a final score of 15-7.

As the second quarter began, Northumbria knew they had to take it up a level in order to take the lead. While it was nowhere close to over, fans of the home team were

growing increasingly hopeful that another Varsity victory would be theirs. Starting with a free throw for Newcastle, they started the twelve minutes with success. Though it wasn’t all success for them, swapping out players 15 for 13; trusting that this would distance themselves from their rivals. Excited spectators of the game exclaimed their supportive remarks across the court, the energy revitalising the players. Northumbria continued their attack against Newcastle with another intercept, securing another two points for the team. Northumbria were working hard to close the gap and inevitably take home a Varsity win. With a score of 18-9 after Newcastle starting off the line, the second quarter was coming down to its final minutes. Both teams wanted to come to half time with a significant lead, however, Newcastle lead until the end. Newcastle continued to score, each goal more impressive than the last carrying themselves to finish on the buzzer with 23 points.

Social status in university sports: is talent enough?

Sports teams are seen as the ultimate University dream, but is talent all it takes to be apart of them?

Sasha

Sports teams are often viewed as meritocratic environments where talent and hard work determine success. However, the reality for many athletes across different sports can be more nuanced. While athletic ability is undeniably important, social status can also play a significant role in how players are perceived and valued in their teams. So, is talent enough to thrive, or does social standing matter just as much?

Many athletes join teams with the hope of finding a community that

shares the same passion for the sport. However, they may soon realise that the team’s social dynamics - who organises team events, who’s popular, and who dominates conversations - can heavily influence team dynamics and individual recognition. And is often times more important than the playing the sport.

“They can also symbolize social standing within the wider community.”

In some cases, social capital within a team can seem to overshadow athletic prowess. Being friends with the “right” people, attending team events, and engaging in socials can become just as important as your performance on the pitch or court. This can lead to situations where socially adept players rise to prominence, while introverted or less socially engaged athletes may feel sidelined, regardless of their athletic

contributions. Sports teams, especially in competitive environments, often represent more than just an athletic group - they can also symbolize social standing within the wider community. There’s often an unspoken expectation that athletes will not only train hard and perform well, but also fully participate in the team’s social life. Team events and Wednesday socials can lead to team cohesion. Opting out of these traditions, even if you’re talented, can make you feel disconnected from the group.

“The fusion of sport and social life is a key part of the experience.”

For many, the fusion of sport and social life is a key part of the experience, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends the sport itself. But for others, it can be isolating. Talented players who struggle with the

social aspect may feel overlooked when more socially active teammates receive greater attention and recognition despite their match or game performance.

In a culture where social influence can sometimes overshadow talent, the challenge is how to create more inclusive sports teams where commitment and skill are prioritized over popularity. Fostering a team culture that values performance and cohesion on the pitch rather than just off it may be the key to building a more balanced and welcoming environment for all athletes.

View from the AU

Alex Duggan - Athletic Union Officer

Volleyball, Halloween, and BUCS Officer Initiatives … These past few weeks have been packed with BUCS Wednesdays, catch-ups, and plenty of campaign planning! Watching the women’s volleyball team was a total highlight—the skill and intensity in volleyball is next level, and the team’s camaraderie was just brilliant. After each move, the team huddles and high-fives—something I’m still getting used to coming from a rugby background, but it’s such a great vibe! I also caught up with Hannah Danks, our AU Officer from 2022-23, who’s been working in Fiji (extremely jealous). It was refreshing to swap stories and bond over some of the role’s overlooked aspects. She’s an absolute gem and I roped her in on a Courier article tehe. Halloween socials brought out everyone’s best costumes, and town was absolutely packed with students having a chaotic Wednesday night (I was only out for about 20 minutes before dipping, but it was great to see everyone having a good time). In my role as BUCS Director, I’ve been traveling to London quite a bit, collaborating with trustees, and hosting the first-ever BUCS Student Officer Network with AU officers nationwide. We’ve been working on key issues like the cost of sport and cultural concerns across student bodies, gathering valuable insights and ideas to build on as a collective. Stay tuned as the AU Executive hones in on three main priorities for this year—we’ve got some campaign work in the pipeline!

Megan Grimston and Adam Symes - Sport Sub-Editors

Cowie

Image credit: Megan Grimston

The debate around whether Tuchel will be successful as the new England manager...

Image Source: Chris Bishop, (picturesbybish)